Folded Camera Module PCB Layout for Non-Protruding Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera modules face challenges in downsizing and thinning due to protruding flexible printed circuit boards and the need for additional components like brackets, which increase the overall size.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design with a folded optical path using a reflective member and a novel external circuit connection structure that includes a flexible circuit board bent inward and reinforced by plates, ensuring no protrusion beyond the module's outer surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a flexible printed circuit board is bent to connect to the sensor circuit board, then the connection is achieved, but a rounded portion protrudes out of the module region requiring a bracket that increases the overall size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic rounded portion of the flexible printed circuit board from the module region by routing it through a recess in the housing. This separates the bending function from the compact module envelope, eliminating the need for a protruding bracket while maintaining the connection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a recess (third space) in the housing to accommodate the bent flexible printed circuit board. By creating this additional dimensional space within the housing structure, the rounded portion can be hidden without increasing the external dimensions of the camera module.
2Reliability
If additional components like brackets are added to protect the protruding rounded portion, then protection is achieved, but the size of the entire camera module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective function with the existing housing structure by incorporating a recess directly into the housing. This integrates the protection mechanism into the primary structure rather than adding a separate bracket component, thereby providing protection without increasing overall module size.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess in the housing acts as an intermediary structure that accommodates the flexible printed circuit board's rounded portion. This intermediate space provides the necessary protection and routing functionality without requiring an external bracket that would increase the module's external dimensions.
3Volume of moving object
If the flexible printed circuit board is routed through a recess in the housing, then protrusion is prevented, but the housing structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The recess in the housing serves multiple functions: it provides a pathway for the flexible printed circuit board, protects the rounded portion, and maintains the compact external dimensions of the module. By making the housing structure multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate components that would increase complexity.
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
The design achieves a compact size while maintaining functionality, including auto focus and optical image stabilization, by managing the circuit board layout to prevent protrusion and reduce the overall module dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
a folded module (110) including a reflective member (112) reflecting incident light
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module includes a cover; a housing having an inner space covered by the cover; a folded module including a reflective member reflecting incident light; a lens module including a plurality of lenses transferring, in a direction of an optical axis, light reflected from the reflective member through the inner space of the housing; an image sensor module including an image sensor sensing light transferred through the lens module, and a sensor circuit board having a first surface on which the image sensor is mounted; and an external circuit connection portion configured to connect to a connection edge of the sensor circuit board and extend outside the housing to be connectable to an external circuit. The connection edge includes a first edge portion disposed between imaginary surfaces extending from the opposing outer surfaces of the cover, and a second edge portion protruding farther outward than the first edge portion.