Image Sensor Attachment Structure for Precise Alignment Rework

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for attaching image sensors to optics units in imaging devices face challenges in achieving precise alignment while allowing for cost-effective reworking without damaging the components.

Innovation Solution

A method involving releasable attachment of an image sensor to a sensor holder, which is then permanently attached to an optics unit, enabling secure alignment and easy removal without damage, using a combination of releasable and permanent attachment mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If active sensor alignment with permanent fixation is used, then alignment precision is improved, but reworking capability deteriorates and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidreworking capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is divided into two separate attachment parts: a first attachment part that provides releasable attachment for reworking capability, and a second attachment part that provides permanent attachment for alignment precision. This segmentation allows each attachment part to specialize in one function, resolving the contradiction between precision and reworkability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor holder acts as an intermediary component between the image sensor and the optics unit. It provides a standardized interface that enables both releasable and permanent attachment modes, mediating between the conflicting requirements of precision alignment and reworking capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If active sensor alignment with permanent fixation is used, then alignment precision is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is divided into two separate attachment parts: a first attachment part that provides releasable attachment for reworking capability, and a second attachment part that provides permanent attachment for alignment precision. This segmentation allows each attachment part to specialize in one function, resolving the contradiction between precision and reworkability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows changing the attachment state from releasable to permanent through a transformation process (e.g., UV curing, heating, or mechanical deformation). This parameter change enables the system to transition from a reworkable state during alignment to a permanent state for final use, achieving precision without permanent initial fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of repair

If releasable attachment is used, then reworking capability is improved, but alignment precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereworking capabilityVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is divided into two separate attachment parts: a first attachment part that provides releasable attachment for reworking capability, and a second attachment part that provides permanent attachment for alignment precision. This segmentation allows each attachment part to specialize in one function, resolving the contradiction between precision and reworkability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The releasable attachment part enables preliminary alignment and adjustment before final permanent fixation. This preliminary action allows for precise alignment to be achieved and verified before committing to permanent attachment, ensuring both precision and reworkability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of manufacture

If passive alignment is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but alignment precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor holder acts as an intermediary component between the image sensor and the optics unit. It provides a standardized interface that enables both releasable and permanent attachment modes, mediating between the conflicting requirements of precision alignment and reworking capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The releasable attachment part enables preliminary alignment and adjustment before final permanent fixation. This preliminary action allows for precise alignment to be achieved and verified before committing to permanent attachment, ensuring both precision and reworkability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4661412A1Method and structure for image sensor attachment
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 AXIS
  • EP4661412A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4661412A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4661412A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for attaching an image sensor (33) to an optics unit (32) of an imaging device (31) is disclosed. An attachment part (41) is releasably attached to a sensor attachment surface (42) of the optics unit (32) and the image sensor (33) is releasably attached to a sensor holder (44). Using an active alignment method, a position of at least one of the image sensor (33) and the optics unit (32) is adjusted, such that the image sensor (33) is positioned at a desired angle in relation to an optical axis (O-O) of the optics unit (32) and in a desired position in relation to the optics unit (32), thereby positioning the image sensor (33) in an aligned position. The sensor holder (44) is permanently attached to the attachment part (41), such that the image sensor (33) is fixed in the aligned position. The image sensor (33) is releasable from the sensor holder (44) when the sensor holder (44) has been permanently attached to the attachment part (41).