Image Sensor Fixing Structure with Peripheral Holding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image sensor fixing structures struggle to reduce size along the imaging surface while maintaining positional accuracy and optical performance, as the holding member is typically disposed outside the image sensor, limiting size reduction in this direction.

Innovation Solution

The image sensor is fixed using holding members positioned in the peripheral region outside the effective imaging surface, allowing for a compact design without obstructing the optical path, utilizing a third prism frame with sidewall portions and a sealing member to ensure dust-proof and light-blocking properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the holding member is disposed outside the outline of the image sensor, then the thickness perpendicular to the imaging surface is reduced, but the size reduction in the direction along the imaging surface is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethickness perpendicular to imaging surfaceVSAvoidsize in direction along imaging surface
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The holding member is designed to extend in the thickness direction (perpendicular to imaging surface) rather than only in the lateral direction (along imaging surface). By positioning the holding member at the outer peripheral portion and extending it toward the imaging surface, the fixation structure achieves size reduction in the lateral direction while maintaining adequate thickness for secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The holding member is strategically positioned at the outer peripheral portion of the image sensor where it does not interfere with the effective imaging area. This localized placement allows the central imaging region to maintain full functionality while the peripheral region provides structural support for size reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Length of moving object

If the holding member is disposed outside the outline of the image sensor, then the thickness perpendicular to the imaging surface is reduced, but the positional accuracy with respect to the imaging optical system deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethickness perpendicular to imaging surfaceVSAvoidpositional accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A bonding member is introduced as an intermediary element between the holding member and the image sensor. This bonding member provides a dedicated interface for precise positioning and secure attachment, ensuring that the holding member's external placement does not compromise the positional accuracy of the image sensor relative to the imaging optical system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The holding member is pre-positioned at the outer peripheral portion of the image sensor before final assembly with the imaging optical system. This preliminary positioning, combined with the bonding member, establishes accurate alignment early in the assembly process, preventing positional deviations that would affect imaging precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3769136B1Image-sensor fixing structure
Publication Date: 2022.11.23 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP3769136B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3769136B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3769136B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An image-sensor fixing structure includes an imaging optical system; and an image sensor configured to receive light of an image formed by the imaging optical system. The image sensor has an imaging surface includes an effective region, in which light of an image formed by the imaging optical system is received, and a peripheral region outside the effective region. A body member holding the imaging optical system is fixed to the peripheral region.