Camera Module Terminal Sharing for Autofocus and Diaphragm Drive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera modules face challenges in manufacturing cost and assembly complexity due to the separate actuator-controlled diaphragm, which requires continuous electrical connection along the optical axis between the main board and the diaphragm.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design where the control unit for the diaphragm is integrally formed with a sensor for detecting the diaphragm's opening degree, allowing common terminals to be used for both auto focusing and diaphragm driving, thereby simplifying wiring and reducing manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the diaphragm is located between the front lens and the rear lens with a separate actuator, then the degree of opening can be adjusted, but the manufacturing cost increases and assembly becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the diaphragm assembly with the lens barrel structure by integrating the diaphragm into the lens holder that also holds the lens. This combination eliminates the need for a separate actuator and reduces the number of components, thereby lowering manufacturing cost and simplifying assembly procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lens holder structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it holds the lens in position and simultaneously houses the diaphragm assembly. This multi-functional design reduces the overall component count and simplifies the module structure, addressing both manufacturing cost and assembly complexity concerns

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If the diaphragm is controlled by a separate actuator with continuous electrical connection, then the opening degree can be adjusted, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidelectrical connection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit for the diaphragm is integrated into the same module as the lens and diaphragm assembly, eliminating the need for separate electrical connections to the main board. This merging of control functionality with the mechanical assembly reduces wiring complexity and manufacturing cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If common terminals are used for auto focusing and diaphragm driving, then wiring is simplified, but terminal functionality must be shared

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiring complexityVSAvoidterminal functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the terminal structure to support multiple functions through a single interface. The same terminal can be configured for either auto focusing or diaphragm control based on operational requirements, reducing wiring complexity while maintaining functional versatility through software or control logic management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3518015B1Camera module and optical device
Publication Date: 2025.04.09 LG INNOTEK CO LTD
  • EP3518015B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3518015B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3518015B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention comprises: a base; a housing disposed at one side of the base; a lens barrel disposed inside the housing; a cover disposed at one side of the housing; a first substrate disposed at the other side of the base; an image sensor which is installed on the first substrate, and disposed below the lens barrel; a diaphragm set which is movably supported inside the housing and which adjusts the amount of light incident to the lens barrel; a first drive unit comprising a first coil and a first magnet which enable the lens barrel and the diaphragm set to move together in the optical axis direction; and a second substrate which is attached to the housing and comprises a plurality of terminals which protrude to the outside as a result of the drive of the first drive unit, wherein the diaphragm set has a second drive unit for driving the diaphragms disposed therein, and the terminals are also connected to the second drive unit.