Lens Barrel and Sensor Alignment Using Ridges and Shims
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Accurately aligning the lens and image sensor along an optical axis in cameras is challenging due to manufacturing tolerances and lack of precision in existing positioning configurations.
Innovation Solution
A lens and image sensor positioning system that uses a cylindrical lens barrel with notches and an image sensor assembly with ridges and shim platforms to achieve precise alignment, allowing for fine-tune adjustments with wedge-shaped shims for accurate alignment along the optical axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional lens positioning configurations are used, then assembly is simpler, but alignment accuracy and precision between lens and image sensor deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a positioning mechanism with ridges and notches as an intermediary element between the lens barrel and image sensor assembly. This mediator provides precise mechanical engagement and alignment features that enable accurate positioning without requiring complex adjustment procedures or specialized equipment during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning ridges and notches are pre-configured on the lens barrel and image sensor assembly respectively. This preliminary action ensures that when the components are assembled, the alignment is automatically established through the pre-formed geometric features, eliminating the need for post-assembly alignment adjustments.
2Manufacturing precision
If standard positioning methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but alignment precision along optical axis deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning mechanism employs asymmetric ridge and notch geometries that are specifically designed to guide and constrain the relative positioning of the lens barrel and image sensor assembly. The asymmetric features ensure unique alignment along the optical axis while providing robust mechanical engagement that is straightforward to manufacture.
3Manufacturing precision
If simple positioning structures are used, then manufacturing is easier, but alignment accuracy along optical axis deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is segmented into distinct features: positioning ridges on one component and corresponding notches on the mating component. This segmentation allows each feature to be independently optimized and manufactured, then assembled together to achieve the overall alignment function, balancing manufacturing simplicity with positioning accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning system is designed to align a lens barrel with a sensor assembly. A first end of a lens barrel includes ridges along an edge. The sensor assembly includes a recessed channel with reciprocal ridges for mating with the ridges of the lens barrel. The sensor assembly also includes a plurality of shim platforms structured, each structured to position a wedge shaped shim, the wedge shaped shim including a flat bottom to slide on the shim platform and raise or lower the lens barrel relative to the reciprocal ridges on which the lens barrel rests.