Lens Module Filter Mounting via Socket and Holder

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lens modules in digital cameras and mobile devices face challenges in reducing thickness due to the space occupied by the filter placement area within the lens barrel, leading to increased weight and complexity in assembly, which can result in non-reversible assembly processes and higher production costs.

Innovation Solution

A lens module design that places the filter on a standalone socket using a holder, allowing for a thinner profile, reversible assembly, and reduced production costs by utilizing a socket with a circumference wall and supporting platform, along with an elastic element and holder to securely fasten the filter, enabling easier reassembly and improved yield.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the filter is placed inside the lens barrel, then the filter placement area is provided, but the lens module occupies more space and becomes heavier

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter placement stabilityVSAvoidlens module thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The lens module is divided into separate functional components: the lens barrel and the socket assembly. The filter is relocated from the lens barrel to the socket assembly, which is a standalone component. This segmentation allows the lens barrel to be thinner while the filter finds its home in the socket assembly, resolving the contradiction between filter placement stability and lens module thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filter placement is moved from the horizontal plane (inside the lens barrel) to a vertical arrangement (on the socket assembly below the lens barrel). The socket assembly extends downward from the lens barrel, utilizing the vertical dimension to accommodate the filter without increasing the lateral thickness of the lens module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Length of moving object

If the filter is dispensed and fixed on the socket, then the lens module becomes thinner, but the assembling process becomes non-reversible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens module thicknessVSAvoidassembly reversibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The permanent bonding method (dispensing adhesive) is replaced with a mechanical fastening system. The socket assembly includes a holder with clamping structures that mechanically secure the filter without requiring adhesive dispensing. This mechanical system allows the filter to be clamped firmly during assembly and enables reversible disassembly by releasing the clamping mechanism, thus maintaining thin profile while restoring assembly reversibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Length of moving object

If the filter is fixed on the socket using dispensing method, then the lens module becomes thinner, but the filter may be damaged during re-assembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens module thicknessVSAvoidfilter integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The chemical bonding method (adhesive dispensing) is replaced with a mechanical clamping system. The holder in the socket assembly uses movable clamping arms or springs that apply uniform pressure to secure the filter. This mechanical system distributes the clamping force evenly across the filter surface, preventing localized stress concentrations that could cause damage during assembly and disassembly operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping mechanism incorporates cushioning elements such as soft pads or elastomeric materials between the clamping surfaces and the filter. This beforehand cushioning protects the filter from direct mechanical contact with hard surfaces during assembly and disassembly, preventing damage while maintaining secure fixation. The cushioning elements absorb impact forces and distribute pressure uniformly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS8830389B2Image detecting module and lens module

Publication Date: 2014.09.09 ABILITY ENTERPRISE CO LTD

AI summary

An image detecting module includes a socket, a circuit board, an image sensor, an elastic element, a filter and a holder. The socket comprises an inner circumference wall along a main axis for defining an inner space and a platform that extended from the inner circumference wall. Pluralities of mounting holes are provided on the holder and pluralities of protrusions are provided on the socket; thus the elastic element and the filter could be fixed between the platform and the holder by fitting the protrusions into the mounting holes.