Lens Spacer Extension for Precise Optical Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Miniaturization of camera modules has increased sensitivity to lens spacing variations, making precise assembly challenging, and reducing spacer size compromises durability and reliability, while tilted lenses affect image quality.
Innovation Solution
A lens assembly with a spacer featuring a body portion and extension protrusions that contact and support lenses, allowing for precise spacing and reduced size without compromising durability, using a design with specific geometric constraints to maintain optical axis alignment and prevent tilting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the size of the spacer is reduced to miniaturize the lens assembly, then the lens assembly size is reduced, but the durability and reliability of the spacer are decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer is divided into a body portion and an extension portion. The extension portion protrudes from the body portion to contact and support the lens, separating the spacing function (body portion) from the support function (extension portion). This segmentation allows the main body to be compact while the extension provides structural support, resolving the contradiction between miniaturization and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension portion protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (radial direction), adding a dimensional component that provides lens support without increasing the axial length. This dimensional approach allows the spacer to maintain compact axial size while providing adequate support structure, balancing miniaturization with reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If manufacturing and assembly tolerances are present, then the assembly process is feasible, but precise spacing between lenses cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The extension portion is designed to automatically contact and support the lens through its protruding structure. This self-supporting mechanism compensates for assembly tolerances and manufacturing variations, ensuring precise lens spacing without requiring high-precision manual assembly. The extension portion self-adjusts to maintain optimal lens position, resolving the contradiction between ease of assembly and spacing precision.
3Ease of operation
If lenses are assembled in a tilted state, then assembly is simplified, but optical axes do not line up and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The extension portion provides tactile feedback during assembly. When the lens is properly aligned, the extension portion contacts the lens at the correct position, providing a stop or resistance that indicates proper alignment. This feedback mechanism guides the assembly process to ensure optical axes line up correctly, preventing tilted assembly while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension portion is pre-positioned to contact the lens before final assembly is completed. This preliminary contact guides the lens into the correct orientation during assembly, preventing tilting from occurring in the first place. The extension portion acts as a guide that ensures proper alignment is achieved automatically during the assembly process.
Data Source
AI summary
A lens assembly includes a plurality of lenses spaced apart from each other along an optical axis; and a first spacer disposed along the optical axis between any two lenses of the plurality of lenses, wherein the first spacer includes a body portion including an opening enabling light to travel between the two lenses; and an extension portion protruding from one surface of the body portion and extending toward one lens of the two lenses, the one lens being either one of the two lenses, the one surface of the body portion is spaced apart from the one lens, and the extension portion contacts and supports the one lens.