Encapsulated Array Camera Module for Thin Dust-Protected Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional Chip On Board (COB) technology for camera module assembly faces challenges in achieving a lighter and thinner design due to exposed circuit components and gold wires, leading to issues like dust contamination, increased thickness, and difficulty in maintaining image quality in multi-lens camera modules.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design featuring a photosensitive unit with an encapsulation portion that surrounds the sensor and circuit elements, using molding techniques to enclose connecting elements and circuit components, reducing exposure and enhancing structural strength and heat dissipation, while eliminating the need for additional mounting frames.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional COB technology is used with exposed circuit components and gold wires, then assembly is simpler, but the camera module thickness increases and image quality deteriorates due to dust contamination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoiddust contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a transparent encapsulation layer (thin film) that covers and seals the circuit board, sensor, and connecting elements. This encapsulation layer acts as a protective barrier that prevents dust and pollutants from contaminating the sensor and circuit components, thereby resolving the contradiction between assembly simplicity and dust contamination protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Ease of manufacture

If circuit components and gold wires are exposed on the circuit board surface, then manufacturing is easier, but the camera module thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing easeVSAvoidcamera module thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the protective encapsulation layer with the structural support function by designing a integrated encapsulation structure that both seals the internal components and provides mechanical support. This eliminates the need for separate protective housings and mounting frames, thereby reducing the overall camera module thickness while maintaining manufacturing ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transparent encapsulation layer is designed as a thin film structure that provides protection without adding significant thickness. This thin film encapsulation allows the camera module to achieve a thinner profile compared to conventional designs that require separate protective housings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Device complexity

If multiple camera lenses are assembled with exposed circuit components, then device complexity is lower, but image quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly complexityVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The transparent encapsulation layer creates a controlled clean environment that protects the sensor from dust contamination, thereby maintaining high image quality in multi-lens camera modules. The encapsulation is designed to accommodate multiple lenses while preserving optical performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Ease of manufacture

If circuit components protrude from the circuit board, then assembly is simpler, but structural strength decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidstructural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the protective encapsulation function with structural support by designing an integrated encapsulation structure. This merged structure provides both protection for the circuit components and enhanced structural strength, eliminating the need for separate protective housings while maintaining assembly simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11743569B2Camera module and array camera module with circuit board unit and photosensitive unit and manufacturing method thereof
Publication Date: 2023.08.29 NINGBO SUNNY OPOTECH CO LTD
  • US11743569B2 patent drawing
  • US11743569B2 patent drawing
  • US11743569B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A camera module and array camera module with circuit board unit and photosensitive unit and manufacturing method thereof is provided. The array camera module comprises two or more camera lenses and a circuit unit. The circuit unit comprises a circuit board portion for electrically connecting two or more photosensitive sensors of the array camera module, and a conjoined encapsulation portion integrally encapsulated on the circuit board portion. The camera lenses are respectively arranged along the photosensitive paths of the photosensitive sensors.