Dual-Material Lens Retainer for Flash Dispersion and EMI Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices face issues with light emission from flash modules causing unwanted light dispersion and electromagnetic interference affecting camera module performance, leading to suboptimal image capture and potential damage from stress events like drops.
Innovation Solution
The use of a dual-shot molding process to create a lens and lens retaining member from different materials, where the lens retaining member absorbs or reflects excess light and a conductive adhesive connects the camera module to a flexible circuit, with a metal container providing electromagnetic interference shielding and additional rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light source module is used to enhance image capture, then illumination intensity is improved, but unwanted light dispersion occurs affecting display panels and other components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful light dispersion by positioning the light source module to illuminate the lens from behind, transforming the scattered light into a beneficial flash illumination that enhances image capture while preventing light from reaching unwanted areas like display panels
Solution Approach 2:
The lens is positioned as an intermediary element between the light source module and the camera sensor, with the light source illuminating the lens from behind to control light paths and prevent direct light from reaching unwanted areas while still providing necessary illumination for image capture
2Device complexity
If the camera module is positioned proximate to antennas and sensors, then device integration is improved, but electromagnetic interference occurs affecting camera performance
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional zones with the camera module positioned in a location separated from antennas and sensors, allowing close integration for compact design while maintaining electromagnetic isolation to prevent interference between different components
Solution Approach 2:
The lens and its mounting structure serve as an intermediary element that positions the camera module at optimal distances from interfering components, creating physical separation that reduces electromagnetic interference while maintaining overall device integration
3Measurement precision
If the camera module is positioned close to the front of the device, then image capture quality is improved, but structural integrity is reduced during stress events like drops
Solution Approach 1:
The lens mounting structure is merged with the device housing as an integrated component, combining the structural support function with the optical mounting function, thereby providing both mechanical protection during drops and precise positioning for image capture
Solution Approach 2:
The lens mounting structure utilizes composite material construction combining rigid support elements with flexible components, providing both structural integrity to protect against drops and the precision positioning needed for high-quality image capture
4Ease of manufacture
If a single material is used for lens and retaining member, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but functional performance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lens and retaining member are manufactured as a composite structure with the lens element made from optical-grade material and the retaining member made from a different material optimized for mechanical support, allowing each component to be molded separately and then precisely assembled together
Solution Approach 2:
The optical and mechanical functions are segmented into separate components - the lens element for optimal optical performance and the retaining member for structural support - allowing each to be manufactured independently with specialized materials and then precisely assembled
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 solution effectively directs light emission, minimizes unwanted light dispersion, shields the camera module from electromagnetic interference, and enhances the device's structural integrity during stress events.
Implementation Method 1
the lens retaining member absorbs or reflects excess light
Implementation Method 2
a conductive adhesive connects the camera module to a flexible circuit
Implementation Method 3
a metal container providing electromagnetic interference shielding
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device having a lens and a lens retaining member is disclosed. The lens and the lens retaining member may both be molded in a single mold cavity. However, the lens includes a first material that is clear and translucent, while the lens retaining member includes a second material that is opaque. The lens retaining member may include an alignment such that the lens and lens retaining member, when secured to a flexible circuit, may self-align with a window. The window allows a light source to emit light while the lens retaining member blocks or reflects light. In another embodiment, a container having a first member and a second member may be positioned around a camera module. The container may act as an EMI shield for the camera module.