Lens Holder Pin Connection for Automotive Camera PCB Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical connections between lens and imager PCBAs in vehicular cameras are prone to signal interference, wear, and tear, complicate assembly, and increase costs due to loose cables and manual soldering, while rigid connections are hindered by manufacturing tolerances.
Innovation Solution
Secure electrical connections are established using solder pins or conductive pins fixed to a lens holder, passing through PCB through-holes, allowing alignment and calibration without contact, followed by soldering or adhesive bonding for a robust connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If loose cables are used for electrical connections between lens and imager PCBA, then ease of assembly is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to signal interference and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical connection function with the mechanical alignment structure by integrating conductive pins into the lens holder assembly. These pins pass through the PCBA to establish both mechanical and electrical connections simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate loose cables and improving both assembly ease and connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based electrical connection system with a rigid pin-through-hole structure. This substitution eliminates signal interference and wear issues associated with loose cables while maintaining ease of assembly through the integrated design.
2Reliability
If rigid connections are made between lens holder and PCBA, then connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to tolerance constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection function into two distinct phases: a rigid pin-through-hole structure for electrical connection that ensures reliability, and a separate alignment mechanism (such as alignment marks or fixtures) that ensures manufacturing precision. This segmentation allows each function to be optimized independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs alignment operations before finalizing the rigid connection. Alignment marks or preliminary positioning features are used to ensure precise positioning of the lens holder relative to the PCBA before the conductive pins are permanently secured, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while achieving connection reliability.
3Reliability
If manual soldering is used for electrical connections, then connection reliability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to increased assembly time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the conductive pins to be self-aligning and self-securing through the PCBA structure. The pins are inserted through pre-drilled holes and secured using automated methods such as press-fit, snap-fit, or automated soldering, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual soldering operations while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the connection method from manual soldering to automated attachment techniques. By modifying the connection mechanism to allow for automated assembly (such as using press-fit pins, snap-fit connectors, or reflow soldering), the patent maintains reliable electrical connections while significantly improving assembly speed and productivity.
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 method simplifies assembly, enhances reliability, reduces costs, and improves thermal transfer without additional capital investment or cycle time, while ensuring precise alignment and reduced material costs.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of electrically conductive pins are electrically connected to a heating element that, when electrically powered, heats at least one lens element of the plurality of lens elements
Data Source
AI summary
A method for assembling a vehicular camera includes attaching a plurality of electrically conductive pins to a lens holder of the vehicular camera. The method includes guiding the plurality of electrically conductive pins of the lens holder to pass through a plurality of through-holes of a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB has a first side and a second side separated by a thickness of the PCB. An imager is disposed at the first side of the PCB. With the plurality of electrically conductive pins of the lens holder passed through the plurality of electrically conductive through-holes, the method includes aligning the lens holder with the imager. After aligning the lens holder with the imager, the method includes securing the plurality of electrically conductive pins of the lens holder to the PCBA to electrically connect the lens holder to circuitry of the PCB.