Folded Optical-Path Camera Module for Reduced Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera modules face challenges in downsizing and thinning while maintaining performance enhancements such as auto focus and shake correction functions, as conventional structures are limited in reducing thickness.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design incorporating a folded optical path using a reflective member, a lens barrel with multiple lenses arranged in the optical axis direction, and a robust circuit board attachment mechanism with a reinforcing plate and protrusion guide to facilitate compactness and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a conventional camera module structure is used, then the structure is simple, but the thickness cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a folded optical path design where light travels in a non-linear direction within the housing, utilizing vertical and lateral spaces. The reflective member redirects light at angles, effectively using three-dimensional space rather than a straight linear path, thereby reducing the overall thickness of the camera module while maintaining the required optical path length.
Solution Approach 2:
The module circuit board is bent and nested within the housing structure, with portions of the board positioned inside the housing cavity and other portions extending outward. This nesting approach allows the circuit board to be integrated into the compact housing without increasing the external dimensions, contributing to the thinning of the camera module.
2Reliability
If performance functions such as auto focus and shake correction are added, then the performance is improved, but the thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functional components including the lens module, reflective member for optical path folding, image sensor module, and module circuit board with AF and OIS functions into a single compact housing. By merging these functions into a unified folded structure, the patent achieves auto focus and shake correction capabilities without proportionally increasing the thickness, as all components share the same compact three-dimensional space.
3Volume of moving object
If the camera module is downsized, then the portability is improved, but the structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a metal shield can as the housing material, which provides high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent structural stability. The metal housing rigidity compensates for the reduced size, maintaining structural integrity and stability despite the compact dimensions. The metal material's inherent properties ensure that the downsized camera module remains structurally sound.
Solution Approach 2:
The module circuit board is designed with a bent configuration rather than a flat rigid structure. This curved/bent shape allows the circuit board to flex and absorb mechanical stresses, improving the overall structural stability of the compact camera module. The curved design also optimizes space utilization within the housing while maintaining stability.
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
Enables downsized and thinned camera modules with improved performance by optimizing space utilization and structural integrity, supporting auto focus and shake correction functions effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective member configured to change a path of light incident from outside the camera module in a light incidence direction by reflecting the light in an optical axis direction
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module includes a housing; cover covering the housing and including a protrusion guide on a side wall of the cover; a folded module disposed in the housing and configured to reflect incident light; a lens module through which the reflected light passes disposed in the housing; an image sensor module mounted on the housing and configured to detect the light passing through the lens module; a reinforcing plate disposed on an outer surface of the side wall of the cover so that one edge of the reinforcing plate is adjacent to the protrusion guide; and a module circuit board disposed outside the housing and including a connection portion connected to the image sensor module, and a fixing substrate connected to the connection portion and disposed on the reinforcing plate, wherein the connection portion is bent to enable the fixing substrate to be disposed on the reinforcing plate.