Lens Assembly Flexible Washer Focus Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lens assembly methods for camera modules in motor vehicles face challenges such as shifting focus due to set screw tightening, debris accumulation from wave springs, and increased assembly time and cost when using foam washers with wave springs, which affect image quality and production efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A lens assembly utilizing a flexible washer compressible in an axial direction to provide axial force and increase friction between internal and external threads, allowing for rotational and axial adjustment of the lens module while preventing debris from reaching the camera sensor, thus maintaining focus and reducing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a set screw is used to fix the lens in place, then the lens can be secured to the base housing, but the tightening of the set screw can cause the lens focus to shift, requiring repeated readjustment and retightening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the set screw from the lens assembly entirely. Instead, the lens housing is threaded directly into the base housing with the wave spring providing frictional holding force on the threads, eliminating the set screw that caused focus shifting during tightening
Solution Approach 2:
The wave spring serves multiple functions: it provides frictional force to hold the threaded connection in place, acts as a seal between the lens housing and base housing, and eliminates the need for separate set screw and washer components
2Stability of the object's composition
If a wave spring is used to hold the lens housing in place, then the threaded connection is secured through friction, but debris can reach the camera sensor during lens focusing
Solution Approach 1:
The wave spring is designed to perform dual functions: providing frictional holding force on the threads and acting as a seal to prevent debris from reaching the camera sensor. This eliminates the need for a separate foam washer while maintaining both functions
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a foam washer is used in combination with the wave spring to prevent debris, then debris is blocked from reaching the sensor, but assembly time and material cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wave spring is designed to perform dual functions: providing frictional holding force on the threads and acting as a seal to prevent debris from reaching the camera sensor. This eliminates the need for a separate foam washer while maintaining both functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the sealing function previously performed by a separate foam washer into the wave spring itself, merging two components into one and simplifying the assembly
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
The flexible washer-based lens assembly effectively locks focus, reduces debris, and lowers production costs by providing a reliable and efficient method for lens adjustment and assembly, ensuring clear images while simplifying the manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible washer is disposed within the interior housing cavity between the base surface and the mating surface, the flexible washer being compressible in an axial direction, whereby compression of the flexible washer exerts an axial force against the base surface and the mating surface
Implementation Method 2
Compression of the flexible washer exerts an axial force on the internal and external threads and increases friction between the threads, wherein the friction between the threads holds the threads in place relative to each other
Implementation Method 3
The flexible washer seals the mating surface of the lens module against the base surface of the lens housing
Data Source
AI summary
A lens assembly includes a lens housing, a flexible washer, and a lens module. The flexible washer and the lens module are disposed within a tubular sidewall of the lens housing. The washer is disposed axially between a mating surface of the lens module and a base surface of the lens housing. The lens housing and lens module include corresponding threads, and rotation of the lens module along the threads of the lens housing adjusts the axial position and focus of the lens module. The washer is the only component axially between the lens module and the lens housing and directly contacts the base surface and the mating surface. When compressed, the washer exerts an axial force on the lens module and lens housing, such that the friction on the threads is increased and the lens module is held in place.