Imaging Module Coaxial Fastening for Precision Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing imaging modules face challenges in minimizing size while maintaining high positioning precision and preventing optical axis deviation between the lens unit and the imaging element, especially when attached to vehicles, due to the limitations of screw-fastening structures.

Innovation Solution

The imaging module incorporates a coaxial screw-fastening and positioning structure with case and bracket screws, featuring a main body part with a thread and a head part of larger diameter, and a positioning protrusion with a cylinder shape, allowing for precise alignment and secure attachment, reducing the module's size and minimizing optical axis deviation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If separate screw-fastening and positioning structures are used, then positioning precision is improved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidmodule size
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the screw-fastening structure and positioning structure into a single integrated system. The positioning protrusion is formed on the bracket that is attached via screws, and the positioning hole is formed in the case. This integration allows the bracket to be positioned precisely relative to the case while being securely fastened, eliminating the need for separate positioning and fastening components, thus reducing overall module size while maintaining high positioning precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If multiple separate attachment components are used, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into fewer components. The bracket serves both as a fastening element (attached via screws through the case) and as a positioning element (with the positioning protrusion fitting into the positioning hole). This reduces the number of separate components needed while achieving both secure attachment and high positioning precision, thereby simplifying the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If traditional screw-fastening structure is used, then attachment strength is improved, but optical axis deviation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidoptical axis alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a positioning protrusion and positioning hole as intermediary elements that mediate between the screw-fastening structure and the optical axis alignment. The positioning protrusion on the bracket fits into the positioning hole in the case, ensuring precise alignment of the optical axis before the screws are tightened. This intermediary positioning mechanism prevents optical axis deviation while maintaining strong attachment through the screw-fastening system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2722711B1Imaging module
Publication Date: 2019.01.02 KYOCERA CORP
  • EP2722711B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2722711B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2722711B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

This is to reduce a size of an imaging module while reducing a size of a fastening part that attaches a front case, a back case, and a bracket and securing high positioning precision so as to obtain a high precision image by suppressing optical axis deviation when the bracket is fastened to an automobile and the like. An imaging module 1 is provided with: a front case 3, in which a lens unit 2 is mounted on a side of the subject to be imaged; a back case 4, which is attached to the front case 3 and seals an imaging substrate 8 in an inside space formed with the front case 3; and a bracket 5 attached to the back case 4, and the back case 4 is attached to the front case 3 by case a case fastening screw 10 that is screwed into a screw hole 3a and a case screw-fastening through-hole 4a, and the positioning protrusion 5a is inserted into the case screw-fastening through-hole 4a, so that the back case 4 is positioned on the bracket 5.