Lens Module Slotted Annular Ring Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital camera modules in portable devices require manual focusing and are prone to optical axis misalignment, leading to time-consuming assembly and potential image quality issues.
Innovation Solution
A lens module comprising a first and second lens assembly with slotted annular rings and male annular rings that matingly engage to fix the assemblies together, ensuring aligned optical axes and eliminating the need for manual focusing, with the chip package mounted to receive a focused image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lens module is threadedly engaged with the holder, then the lens module can be securely mounted, but manual focusing is required which is time consuming and reduces production yield
Solution Approach 1:
The lens module is divided into multiple lens assemblies (first lens assembly, second lens assembly, etc.) that can be independently positioned and fixed. Each lens assembly is secured separately using corresponding annular rings, eliminating the need for thread engagement and manual focusing while maintaining secure mounting of the entire lens module
Solution Approach 2:
The lens assemblies are pre-positioned at their correct focal positions during the assembly process. The corresponding annular rings are designed with features that automatically align and secure the lens assemblies at the proper distances from the image sensor, eliminating the need for subsequent manual focusing adjustments
2Reliability
If the lens module is threadedly engaged with the holder, then the lens module can be mounted, but the optical axis may incline and be displaced from the center of the chip which adversely affects image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The annular rings and corresponding annular rings feature asymmetric positioning elements such as protrusions and recesses that are strategically positioned to ensure precise optical axis alignment. These asymmetric features guide the lens assemblies into their correct positions, preventing inclination and displacement of the optical axis during mounting
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional threaded mechanical engagement system is replaced with a direct positioning and securing mechanism using annular rings. This new mechanism provides both mounting stability and precise optical axis alignment through geometric constraints and positioning features, eliminating the alignment issues associated with thread engagement
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple lens assemblies are used, then image quality can be improved, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The annular rings and corresponding annular rings are designed as multi-functional components that simultaneously perform multiple tasks: positioning lens assemblies, securing them at correct distances, aligning optical axes, and preventing rotation. This universal design simplifies the assembly process despite the presence of multiple lens assemblies
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple positioning and securing functions are merged into single integrated components. The annular rings combine positioning features, securing mechanisms, and alignment elements into one component per lens assembly, reducing the number of separate parts and simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining high manufacturing precision
Data Source
AI summary
A digital camera module (100) includes a lens module (20) and a chip package (50) mounted in a light path of the lens module. The lens module includes a first lens assembly (21) and a second lens assembly (23). The first lens assembly includes a first fixture (211) having a through hole (212) defined therein and at least one lens (218) received in the through hole. The second assembly includes a second fixture (23) having a through hole (232) defined therein and at least one lens (238) attached therein. One of the first fixture and the second fixture has a slotted annular ring (213) protruding therefrom with an annular slot (214) defined therein. The other has a male annular ring (235) extending therefrom, and the slotted annular ring and the male annular ring matingly engage with each other to fix the first lens assembly and second assembly together.