Image Sensor Spacer Design for Compact Camera Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image sensor assemblies have a significant gap between the filter and the image sensor, increasing the thickness of the assembly and potentially affecting the camera module's compactness and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The image sensor assembly incorporates a spacer with an adhesive system, where spacers are formed on the cover and attached to the image sensor, reducing the gap between the cover and the image sensor, and allowing for a more compact design by using an extension groove and vent holes to manage adhesive distribution and prevent gas expansion during hardening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the filter is coupled to the housing, then the filter can be securely positioned, but the interval between the filter and image sensor increases and the assembly thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the filter and housing into a single integrated filter-housing component. The filter is formed as an integral part of the housing structure, eliminating the need for separate filter positioning mechanisms and reducing the overall assembly thickness while maintaining secure positioning through the unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support, positions the image sensor, and integrates the filter function directly into its structure. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate filter mounting components, thereby reducing the interval between the filter and image sensor.
2Length of stationary object
If the interval between filter and image sensor is reduced, then the assembly becomes more compact, but adhesive distribution and gas management become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive application area is segmented into multiple regions through the use of protrusions and recesses on the image sensor surface. This segmentation allows adhesive to be distributed in controlled portions, ensuring proper adhesion even in the reduced interval while facilitating easier manufacturing through standardized adhesive application patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions and recesses act as intermediaries that facilitate adhesive distribution and gas management. The recesses provide channels for adhesive flow and air evacuation during the bonding process, while the protrusions provide anchoring points, making the manufacturing process easier despite the reduced assembly thickness.
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
This configuration reduces the distance between the filter and the image sensor, enhancing the camera module's compactness and manufacturing efficiency while ensuring strong adhesion and protection of the pixel region.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive configured to fixedly attach the spacer to the image sensor
Implementation Method 2
allowing for a more compact design by using an extension groove and vent holes to manage adhesive distribution and prevent gas expansion during hardening
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor assembly, a method of manufacturing the same, and a camera module are provided. The image sensor assembly includes an image sensor including a pixel region provided on a surface of the image sensor, a cover disposed above the pixel region, a spacer disposed on a surface of the cover and the spacer being configured to maintain a distance between the image sensor and the cover, and an adhesive configured to fixedly attach the spacer to the image sensor, wherein the spacer comprises a first and a second member disposed parallel to and at a distance from each other.