Lens Module Miniaturization via Nested Through Holes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lens modules are bulky and face challenges in further size reduction, which is necessary to meet the increasing demands of compact applications such as digital cameras and smartphones.
Innovation Solution
A lens module design featuring a lens fixing element with through holes matching the shape of photosensitive regions, allowing for secure placement and adhesive bonding of lens elements, which enables efficient space utilization and miniaturization without significant waste, and potentially using wafer-level optical lenses for enhanced compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional lens modules are used, then imaging functionality is achieved, but the size is bulky and cannot be further reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lens element is nested within the lens fixing element through the through hole, with the adhesive layer nested between them. This nested structure allows compact integration of multiple components within the same spatial envelope, reducing overall module size while maintaining functional integrity and imaging quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The through hole transitions from a 2D opening to a 3D structured pathway with controlled depth and cross-sectional shape variations. By utilizing the third dimension (depth) and controlling the 3D geometry of the through hole, the design achieves compact integration while preserving optical performance and enabling precise lens positioning.
2Volume of moving object
If lens elements are secured through lens fixing element with through holes, then space utilization is improved and size is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The through hole cross-sectional shape is changed from a conventional uniform shape to one that gradually tapers from center to side along the optical axis. This parameter change in the geometric profile allows for improved adhesive distribution and bonding while reducing sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances, thereby achieving compact design without proportionally increasing manufacturing difficulty.
3Measurement precision
If through holes are made to match photosensitive region shapes, then space waste is minimized and resolution is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The through hole is designed with non-uniform local characteristics: the cross-sectional shape varies along the optical axis, being different at the center versus the sides. This local quality variation allows the through hole to match the photosensitive region shape for optimal space utilization while maintaining manufacturability through controlled local geometry changes rather than requiring complex overall structures.
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 design allows for a reduced size of the lens module while maintaining or increasing the size of lens elements and photosensitive regions, resulting in improved resolution and production yield, and provides flexibility in adhesive application for better imaging performance.
Implementation Method 1
the edge of the lens element is secured through the lens fixing element
Data Source
AI summary
A lens module arranged on a light-sensing surface of a sensor module is disclosed. The lens module includes at least one lens stacked along an optical axis and the lens includes a lens fixing element and a plurality of lens elements. The lens fixing element is provided with a plurality of through holes each receiving a corresponding one of the lens elements, and an edge of the lens elements is secured to the lens fixing element. According to the present invention, each of the through holes has the same shape as a corresponding one of photosensitive regions of the light-sensing surface, as well as a side wall spaced from the photosensitive region in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis by a relatively uniform gap. In the present invention, there is also provided a camera comprising such a lens module.