Direct Window Mount on Image Sensor for Optical Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of optical modules, such as those used in digital cameras and camera phones, is hindered by the need to minimize the substrate surface area to accommodate a lens assembly while maintaining effective electrical connections and optical functionality.
Innovation Solution
The optical module design involves mounting a window directly onto the image sensor and a mount directly to the window, minimizing the substrate surface area by optimizing the placement and attachment of the lens assembly, which includes a barrel with multiple lenses, and using a non-conductive adhesive to space the window above the bond wires, thereby reducing the overall size of the module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the window is mounted directly to the image sensor and the mount is mounted directly to the window, then the substrate surface area is minimized, but the structural stability and alignment precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The window is mounted directly to the image sensor, and the mount is mounted directly to the window, merging multiple components into a compact stacked configuration. This eliminates the need for separate mounting structures on the substrate, thereby minimizing the substrate surface area while maintaining structural integrity through direct component-to-component attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure transitions from a planar substrate-based arrangement to a vertical stacked arrangement. By moving components along the vertical dimension (z-axis) rather than spreading them out on the substrate plane (x-y axis), the design achieves miniaturization without compromising structural stability, as each component provides support for the next in the stack.
2Area of stationary object
If the window is mounted directly to the image sensor, then the substrate surface area is minimized, but the alignment precision between window and sensor may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The window is pre-mounted to the image sensor during the assembly process, establishing precise alignment before the entire unit is integrated into the optical module. This preliminary attachment ensures that the window and sensor are precisely aligned relative to each other, and this alignment is maintained throughout subsequent assembly steps, thereby achieving both miniaturization and manufacturing precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design achieves a smaller footprint for the optical module, enabling the miniaturization of devices like digital cameras and camera phones by minimizing the substrate surface area while maintaining effective optical and electrical functionality.
Implementation Method 1
using a non-conductive adhesive to space the window above the bond wires
Data Source
AI summary
An optical module includes an image sensor having an active area and a window mounted directly to the image sensor above the active area. The optical module further includes a mount mounted to the window, the mount supporting a barrel having a lens assembly. By mounting the window directly to the image sensor and the mount directly to the window, the substrate surface area of the optical module is minimized.