Recessed Filter Mount for Image Sensor Light Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter mounting methods for image sensors, such as IR filters, are prone to damage during shipment and suffer from issues like scratching, light reflection, and glue leakage, which can interfere with image capture.
Innovation Solution
A filter mount with a well structure that recesses the filter below the sidewalls, using notches for glue placement and tapered sidewalls to reduce stress and light reflection, along with corner cutouts for pressure equalization, minimizes damage and light interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the filter is placed on top of support walls and secured with glue, then the filter can be easily mounted, but the filter is subject to damage from downward pressure and sideways contact during shipment
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is nested within a recessed well structure formed by support walls, positioning it below the top surface level. This nesting approach protects the filter from external forces during shipment while maintaining easy mounting through glue application on the support walls.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter mounting structure transitions from a flat surface mounting to a three-dimensional recessed well structure. By creating vertical depth in the mounting structure, the filter is positioned below the top surface, adding protective dimension against downward pressure and sideways contact.
2Device complexity
If vertical sidewalls are used to support the filter, then the structure is simple, but light can bounce off wires and reach the sensor, degrading image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The sidewalls transition from vertical symmetry to asymmetric tapered geometry, angling inward toward the top surface. This asymmetric design blocks reflected light paths from reaching the sensor while maintaining structural integrity and reducing overall complexity compared to adding separate light shields.
Solution Approach 2:
The sidewalls have different geometries at different heights: the lower portion remains vertical for structural support, while the upper portion tapers inward to block light reflection. This local variation in wall geometry addresses the light reflection problem without requiring complete redesign of the entire structure.
3Strength
If glue is placed on top of the supports to secure the filter, then the filter can be firmly attached, but the glue may ooze out and seep onto the sensor or inner surface of the filter
Solution Approach 1:
The well structure creates a localized containment zone for the glue application area. By confining the glue to the bottom and lower sidewalls of the recessed well, the structure prevents glue from reaching the sensor or filter inner surface while maintaining strong attachment through the contained adhesive.
Solution Approach 2:
The recessed well structure acts as an intermediary barrier between the glue application area and the sensor. This intermediate structure allows strong glue attachment while physically preventing glue overflow from contaminating the sensor or filter surfaces.
4Ease of operation
If the filter sidewalls are exposed on top of the supports, then the filter can be easily accessed, but the filter is subject to sideways forces during shipment that may shift its position
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is nested within the recessed well structure, with the well's sidewalls extending above the filter edges. This nesting configuration provides lateral containment and protection against sideways forces during shipment while allowing the filter to remain accessible for mounting and maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The recessed well structure provides beforehand protection by creating a protective enclosure around the filter before shipment occurs. The well's sidewalls act as a cushioning barrier that absorbs and distributes sideways forces, preventing direct contact and potential shifting of the filter during transport.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus, for mounting and using a filter over an image sensor are described as well as camera modules and apparatus incorporating the filter mount. Also described is a sensor and filter assembly which can be formed by combining the sensor, filter, filter mount, and a mounting board which can be shipped and integrated into a camera module and/or camera. A filter is placed in a filter well of a filter mount. By using a well to support the filter over a sensor, the top of the filter can be level or below the top of sidewalls of the filter mount. Use of a well to mount the filter reduces the risk of stray or unintentionally reflected light reaching the sensor and degrading captured images while protecting the filter from downward pressure or sideways contact.