Elastic Connector Camera Module Repairability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera modules are difficult to reassemble and repair due to the use of epoxy or soldering, which complicates the process when image sensor or actuator failures occur, and they require multiple assembly steps, hindering efficient assembly and disassembly.
Innovation Solution
The camera module incorporates elastic connectors with a metal film surrounding an elastic member, allowing for easy electrical coupling between circuit boards and enabling disassembly and reassembly, reducing the number of assembly processes by using these connectors to connect conductive pads on the circuit boards and housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If epoxy or soldering is used to connect circuit boards, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but ease of repair and reassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connection system into separable components: a connector with conductive contacts on the first circuit board and corresponding receptacles on the second circuit board. This segmentation allows the electrical connection to be maintained through a structured interface that can be disconnected and reconnected, enabling repair and reassembly while maintaining reliable electrical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a connector as an intermediary component between the two circuit boards. This connector includes conductive contacts and corresponding receptacles that facilitate electrical connection without requiring direct soldering or epoxy bonding, thus enabling easy disconnection and reconnection for repair purposes while maintaining reliable electrical contact.
2Reliability
If multiple assembly processes are used to connect circuit boards, then connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical connection function with the mechanical support function into a single integrated connector structure. The connector simultaneously provides structural support for mounting components and establishes electrical connections through its conductive contacts and receptacles, thereby reducing the number of separate assembly steps while maintaining reliable connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed to perform multiple functions: providing mechanical support for mounting the image sensor and actuator, establishing electrical connections between circuit boards, and enabling easy disassembly for repair. This multi-functionality reduces assembly complexity by consolidating multiple operations into a single component and process.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional rigid connectors are used, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to misalignment and ease of assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the connector from rigid to elastic. The elastic connector can deform to accommodate misalignments between circuit boards during assembly, then maintains stable electrical contact once connected. This parameter change allows the connector to be both easy to assemble (accommodating misalignment) and structurally stable (maintaining reliable contact).
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 facilitates easy disassembly and repair of camera modules, simplifies the assembly process, and improves throughput by reducing the complexity of connecting components, making it suitable for both single and dual camera modules.
Implementation Method 1
one or more elastic connectors disposed between the first circuit board and the second circuit board to electrically couple the second connection pad to the first connection pad
Implementation Method 2
one or more elastic connectors including an elastic member and a metal film surrounding at least part of an outer portion of the one or more elastic connectors
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module is provided. The camera includes a circuit board to which an image sensor disposed is disposed, one or more first conductive portions at one or more regions of the circuit board, one or more elastic connectors, including an elastic member and a metal film surrounding at least part of an outer portion of the elastic member, the elastic connector is disposed on the first conductive region, a lens device including one or more lenses and a driver capable of moving the lens device, a housing which accommodates the lens device, and a second conductive portion in one or more regions of the housing. The housing may be disposed above the elastic connector such that the second conductive portion is electrically coupled to the first conductive portion due to a contact with the elastic connector.