Image Capturing Module Built-in Topmost Dustproof Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image capturing modules in portable devices lack dustproof designs, which can lead to dust contamination and affect image quality, especially with the increasing complexity and pixel count of imaging modules.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a built-in topmost dustproof structure within the image capturing module, comprising a lens holder with a first topmost surrounding structure and a movable lens assembly with a second topmost surrounding structure, which mate to form a dustproof seal, preventing external dust from entering and gathering it in a receiving space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If no dustproof design is implemented in the image capturing module, then the device structure remains simple and manufacturing is easier, but dust can enter the module and affect image quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedust contaminationVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested dustproof structure where the lens holder's surrounding structure is positioned inside the housing frame's surrounding structure, creating multiple nested barriers. The first topmost surrounding structure of the lens holder is disposed inside the second topmost surrounding structure of the housing frame, forming a nested arrangement that effectively blocks dust while maintaining structural organization and avoiding excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The dustproof structure is segmented into multiple independent components: the housing frame with its second topmost surrounding structure, the lens holder with its first topmost surrounding structure, and the optical filter positioned between them. This segmentation allows each component to perform its dustproof function independently while maintaining overall structural simplicity and ease of manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a dustproof structure is added to the image capturing module, then dust protection is improved, but the device size and structural complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedustproof performanceVSAvoidmodule size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the nested arrangement where the lens holder and its surrounding structure are positioned within the housing frame's surrounding structure. This nesting allows the dustproof structures to share the same spatial envelope without significantly increasing the overall module volume, as the inner structures utilize the space already defined by the outer housing frame.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The dustproof structures are localized to specific critical areas: the second topmost surrounding structure is disposed on the housing frame's inner surrounding surface at the topmost side, and the first topmost surrounding structure is disposed on the lens holder's outer perimeter surface at the topmost side. This localized approach provides effective dust protection at the most vulnerable entry points without adding structures throughout the entire module, thereby minimizing volume increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If the lens holder and movable lens assembly are threaded, then assembly and disassembly is easier, but dust can enter through the thread gaps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly easeVSAvoiddust entry through threads

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an optical filter, which is a thin film structure, positioned between the housing frame and the lens holder. This optical filter acts as a barrier that seals the interface between the two components, preventing dust from entering through thread gaps while maintaining the threaded connection for ease of assembly and disassembly. The thin film effectively blocks dust pathways without interfering with the mechanical threading.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS9154670B1Image capturing module having a built-in topmost dustproof structure

Publication Date: 2015.10.06 LUXVISIONS INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY CORP LTD

AI summary

An image capturing module having a built-in topmost dustproof structure includes an image sensing unit, a housing frame and an actuator structure. The image sensing unit includes a carrier substrate and an image sensing chip on the carrier substrate. The housing frame is disposed on the carrier substrate to surround the image sensing chip. The actuator structure includes a lens holder disposed on the housing frame and a movable lens assembly movably disposed inside the lens holder. The lens holder has a first topmost surrounding structure disposed on the inner surrounding surface and the topmost side thereof. The movable lens assembly has a second topmost surrounding structure disposed on the outer perimeter surface and the topmost side thereof and above the first topmost surrounding structure. The first topmost surrounding structure and the second topmost surrounding structure are mated with each other to form the built-in topmost dustproof structure.