Imaging Module Mechanical Interlocking for Component Alignment

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional imaging module manufacturing methods are inefficient due to inaccurate component positioning, leading to reduced image quality and increased manufacturing time and costs, as well as the need for time-consuming rework to reposition glued components.

Innovation Solution

A three-in-one combination imaging module with a doublet or GRIN lens array, light guide, light guide holder, and LED module, featuring mating elements like tabs, notches, slots, and clips for secure and accurate positioning, reducing the reliance on adhesives and simplifying assembly and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If adhesive is used to secure components, then components are held in position, but manufacturing time increases and rework becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent positioning accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is segmented into multiple components (first housing portion, second housing portion, light guide holder) that can be assembled separately and connected through mating elements, allowing for modular manufacturing and assembly without requiring adhesive bonding of all components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the chemical bonding system (adhesive) with a mechanical bonding system using mating elements including tabs, slots, notches, and clips that physically connect housing portions and secure components through mechanical interlocking rather than chemical adhesion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If adhesive is used to secure components, then components are held in position, but rework and repositioning become time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent positioning accuracyVSAvoidcomponent repositioning ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical connection system allows components to be dynamically assembled and disassembled. The mating elements are designed to facilitate easy insertion and removal, enabling repositioning and rework without the permanent bonding constraints of adhesive, thus improving ease of repair and component repositioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the chemical bonding system (adhesive) with a mechanical bonding system using mating elements including tabs, slots, notches, and clips that physically connect housing portions and secure components through mechanical interlocking rather than chemical adhesion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional manufacturing methods are used, then assembly is simple, but manufacturing costs increase due to rework

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is segmented into multiple components (first housing portion, second housing portion, light guide holder) that can be assembled separately and connected through mating elements, allowing for modular manufacturing and assembly without requiring adhesive bonding of all components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the chemical bonding system (adhesive) with a mechanical bonding system using mating elements including tabs, slots, notches, and clips that physically connect housing portions and secure components through mechanical interlocking rather than chemical adhesion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution enhances manufacturing efficiency, reduces labor costs, and improves image quality by ensuring precise component alignment and easy replacement, thereby decreasing manufacturing time and increasing profitability.

Implementation Method 1

The light guide maximizes light reflection to provide a uniform emitted light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The doublet or GRIN lens array comprises a plurality of lenses that gathers light reflected from an object and focuses the light onto a sensor or sensors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight focusing: Lens

Data Source

PatentUS10955611B2Three in one combination imaging module

Publication Date: 2021.03.23 PIXON TECH CORP

AI summary

A three in one combination imaging module comprising a light guide positioned in a light guide holder, a light emitting diode module, and a doublet or GRIN lens array held in a housing. The light guide holder and the housing comprise mating connecting elements. The connecting elements comprise locking elements, tabs, notches, slots, and clips that cooperate and interact in order to securely hold and accurately position each of the components in the housing without the use of adhesive. Light emitted by the light emitting diode module enters, travels through, and then exits the light guide and is received by the doublet or GRIN lens array and then focused on a sensor array and captured.