Imaging Module Lens Alignment via Housing Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to accurately align and fix a lens unit with an imaging element unit in a compact imaging module, where the small size of the lens unit makes it difficult to increase the area of adjustment terminals, leading to increased manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a lens unit with a focus drive and image blur-correction drive units, a flexible printed circuit with adjustable terminal patterns, and a housing that allows for external connection points, enabling precise alignment and fixing of the lens and imaging element units despite the small size constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the lens unit size is reduced to match small pixel pitch imaging elements, then the imaging module can be made compact, but the area for adjustment terminals is reduced making probing difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the adjustment terminals from the lens unit surface to the housing surface, utilizing the third dimension (depth/external surface) to resolve the area constraint. This allows terminals to be positioned on the housing's outer surface where there is sufficient area, while the lens unit remains compact.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves as an intermediary structure that hosts the adjustment terminals. Instead of directly providing terminals on the lens unit, the housing acts as a mediator that provides a suitable mounting surface for terminals, enabling probing without increasing lens unit size.
2Manufacturing precision
If adjustment terminals are positioned on the lens unit, then alignment can be performed, but the small lens unit size makes it difficult to increase terminal area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional constraint (lens unit surface) to a three-dimensional solution by utilizing the housing's external surface area, which is not constrained by the lens unit's compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing functions as an intermediary platform that provides sufficient area for adjustment terminals, separating the terminal placement function from the lens unit structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple adjustment terminals are provided on a small lens unit, then alignment can be performed, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing serves as a mediator that consolidates multiple adjustment terminals on its external surface, providing a convenient platform for alignment operations without increasing lens unit complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the adjustment terminal function from the lens unit by positioning terminals on the housing instead. This separation allows the lens unit to remain simple while the housing provides the necessary terminal infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an imaging module that can reliably perform probing, and an electronic apparatus including the imaging module. An imaging module includes a lens unit, and an imaging element unit that is fixed to the lens unit. The lens unit includes a focus drive unit, first and second image blur-correction drive units, a housing, a first connecting portion that is electrically connected to the imaging element unit, a first wiring portion that electrically connects the respective drive units to the first connecting portion, second connecting portions that are disposed outside the housing, a second wiring portion that is electrically connected to the second connecting portions and is electrically connected to the respective drive units to which the first wiring portion is connected, and a wiring board that includes at least a part of the second wiring portion and the plurality of second connecting portions.