Lens Module Optical Axis Alignment via Coupling Protrusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lens modules with multiple lenses face challenges in aligning optical axes due to manufacturing tolerance sensitivity and difficulty in coupling lenses with the same outer diameter, leading to increased complexity and reduced manufacturing yield.
Innovation Solution
A lens module design featuring a first lens group with coupling protrusions and a second lens group with varying inner peripheral surface sizes and gap maintaining members, allowing for optical axis alignment without direct contact with the lens barrel, thereby reducing manufacturing tolerance sensitivity and facilitating easier assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If lenses are mounted in the lens barrel with optical axes aligned by the lens barrel structure, then optical axis alignment is achieved, but the lenses must be manufactured with the same outer diameter or same degree of machining tolerance which increases manufacturing difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The lens mounting structure is segmented into two distinct groups: a first lens group with coupling protrusions that align optical axes through mutual coupling, and a second lens group that contacts the lens barrel inner peripheral surface. This segmentation allows different mounting approaches for different lens groups, eliminating the requirement for all lenses to have identical outer diameters or machining tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
Different lens groups are assigned different mounting characteristics: the first lens group uses coupling protrusions for precision alignment while the second lens group uses direct contact with the lens barrel for simpler mounting. This local differentiation in mounting quality allows each lens group to be manufactured with appropriate tolerances for its specific mounting method, reducing overall manufacturing difficulty.
2Reliability
If lenses are inserted into the lens barrel in a press-fitting scheme, then lenses are coupled to the lens barrel, but coupling the lenses to the lens barrel becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The lens coupling mechanism is segmented into two types: coupling protrusions for the first lens group that provide precise alignment and secure coupling, and direct contact mounting for the second lens group that simplifies assembly. This segmentation maintains reliable coupling for critical lenses while easing assembly for others.
Solution Approach 2:
Coupling protrusions act as intermediary elements between the first lens group and the lens barrel, providing a mechanical feature that facilitates alignment and coupling without requiring precise press-fitting. The protrusions mediate the coupling process, making assembly easier while maintaining reliable connection.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a lens module including: a first lens group including a plurality of lenses mounted in a lens barrel in a state in which optical axes thereof are aligned with each other by coupling therebetween; and a second lens group including a plurality of lenses sequentially mounted in the lens barrel, such that optical axes thereof are aligned with each other.