Lens-Focusing Base Structure with Segmented Conductive Pins

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing base structure for voice coil motor lens-focusing mechanisms in miniature cameras is prone to damage during assembly, lacks stability, and is difficult to manufacture automatically due to complex manual processes and fragile conductive pins, which complicates electric connections and increases production costs.

Innovation Solution

A base structure comprising a conductive member with interconnection parts and conductive pins encapsulated in an insulating base, with exposed pins and contacts for easy electrical isolation and connection, and a spring member for secure electrical contact, allowing for automatic assembly and enhanced stability through positioning posts and holes for precise mounting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conductive pins are used in one-piece form with spring tab, then electric connection is ensured, but the mounting process becomes complicated and the conductive pins are at risk of breaking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectric connectionVSAvoidmounting process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive member is divided into separate conductive pins and spring tabs that are assembled together. The conductive pins are inserted into slots in the base, and the spring tabs are separately assembled and connected to the conductive pins, allowing for simpler mounting processes while maintaining electrical connection reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spring tab acts as an intermediary component between the conductive pins and the external substrate. It provides a reliable electrical connection interface while allowing the conductive pins to be mounted separately through simple insertion into slots, reducing mounting complexity and breaking risk

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conductive pins are separated with spring tab, then damage during assembly is prevented, but manual mounting and soldering are required which complicates automatic production

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamage preventionVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive member is segmented into separate conductive pins and spring tabs that can be independently positioned and assembled. The conductive pins are pre-positioned in slots, and spring tabs are separately assembled and connected, enabling automated assembly processes without manual soldering

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive pins are pre-positioned in slots within the base structure before the spring tabs are assembled. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for manual alignment and soldering during final assembly, enabling automated production while preventing damage through separate component handling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If rubber material is used for the base, then flexibility is provided, but stability and integrity fail during reliability tests

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The base structure combines rubber material with an insulating base and conductive member assembly. The insulating base provides structural stability and integrity during reliability tests, while the rubber material layers maintain flexibility and shock absorption capabilities, creating a composite structure that satisfies both requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution simplifies assembly, reduces the risk of damage, enhances stability and reliability, and facilitates automatic manufacturing, improving the base structure's ability to withstand physical tests while reducing material costs.

Implementation Method 1

miniature cameras generally use voice coil motor (VCM) as lens-focusing mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS9366840B2Base structure of lens-focusing mechanism and method for manufacturing the same
Publication Date: 2016.06.14 ACTUTEK CORP
  • US9366840B2 patent drawing
  • US9366840B2 patent drawing
  • US9366840B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for manufacturing a base structure of lens-focusing mechanism first prepares a conductive member having at least two conductive parts, interconnection part, contacts and two conductive pins. The conductive parts have proximity ends separated and staggered to each other. An insulating base is formed by injection molding and encapsulates the conductive member wherein the conductive pins, the interconnection part and the contacts are exposed out of the insulating base. The interconnection part is cut and then a spring member is mounted to the insulating base and electrically connected to the conductive pins through the contacts. The present invention can solve the problem of difficulty in assembling conductive pins and connecting the spring member for the insulating base. The conductive member is arranged within the insulating base such that plastic material can be saved, the flatness, the stability and the anti-damage ability of base can be enhanced.