Liquid Crystal Lens Auto Focus Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Camera modules for mobile communication terminals face challenges in achieving high resolution, compactness, and ultra-thin designs while preventing foreign substance introduction and operation errors due to actuator-driven lens systems.
Innovation Solution
A camera module utilizing a liquid crystal (LC) lens with voltage-controlled liquid crystal layers for auto focus, integrated with a lens barrel housing and exposed electrical connections for easy inspection and repair, eliminating the need for actuator-driven systems and simplifying manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an actuator-driven lens system is used to achieve auto focus function, then the camera module can automatically adjust focus, but foreign substances are introduced into the printed circuit board and IR filter causing defects and operation errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical actuator-driven lens system with a liquid crystal lens system that uses electrical voltage control to change the focal length. The liquid crystal lens module includes liquid crystal layers that can be controlled by applying voltage to adjust focus without any moving mechanical parts, thereby eliminating the introduction of foreign substances into the printed circuit board and IR filter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from mechanical movement to electrical voltage. By applying different voltages to the liquid crystal layers, the focal length of the lens is adjusted without physical movement of the lens assembly. This parameter change from mechanical to electrical control resolves the foreign substance contamination issue while maintaining auto focus functionality.
2Reliability
If a lens driving type auto focus module is used, then the camera module can perform auto focus, but it is difficult to achieve high resolution, compactness, and ultra thin type requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for a lens barrel and driving mechanism by using a liquid crystal lens that changes focal length through voltage application. This substitution of mechanical system with an electrical control system significantly reduces the volume of moving objects and enables compact and ultra-thin camera module designs while maintaining auto focus capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid crystal lens module integrates multiple functions into a single component: it serves as both the lens element and the auto focus actuator. The same liquid crystal layers that form the lens also provide the focusing mechanism through voltage control, eliminating the need for separate lens barrels and driving mechanisms, thereby achieving compactness and ultra-thin design.
3Ease of repair
If the electrical connecting portion is exposed to the outside of the housing, then the connection state can be checked by the naked eye and repairs can be easily performed, but the housing structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the housing into separate sections: the main housing body and the lens module housing. The electrical connecting portion is located at the interface between these segmented parts, allowing it to be exposed for inspection while maintaining structural integrity. This segmentation enables easy visual checking of connections and simple repair by separating the modules without requiring complex disassembly.
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
The LC lens module provides stable and strong auto focus functionality, prevents foreign substance issues, and simplifies the manufacturing process while allowing for easy visual inspection and repair, enhancing the camera module's reliability and performance.
Implementation Method 1
a LC lens having liquid crystal layers of which an arrangement is controlled by an application of voltage
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a camera module including: a lens barrel mounted with a camera lens; a housing including an exposing hole and guide portions formed on the top thereof, the exposing hole being opposite to the camera lens; a printed circuit board fixed to the housing; and an LC lens module including an LC lens and guided to the guide portions of the housing to thereby be coupled to the housing so that the LC lens is positioned on the same axis as the center of the lens.