Liquid Lens Camera Module Base Design for Reliable Electrical Connections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera modules with multiple lenses for zoom and stabilization functions face challenges in size increase due to high power consumption and the need for additional components, which complicates the electrical connection and alignment of lens-moving apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design incorporating a liquid lens unit with a base that transmits driving signals from a main board to the lens unit, utilizing connection substrates and pillars to ensure secure and reliable electrical connections without the need for bending, thus reducing size and improving alignment accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lens-moving apparatus is used to move the lens assembly, then auto-focusing and hand-tremor compensation functions are achieved, but power consumption increases and additional cover glass is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical lens-moving apparatus with a liquid lens unit that uses electrical signals to adjust focus and perform hand-tremor compensation. The liquid lens unit changes its optical properties through electrical control, eliminating the need for mechanical movement and associated power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid lens unit changes its focal length and optical characteristics by altering physical parameters through electrical signals, rather than mechanically moving the lens assembly. This parameter-based control reduces power consumption while maintaining the required functions.
2Reliability
If a separate lens-moving apparatus is used, then lens assembly movement is achieved, but the overall size of the camera module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lens holder and base into a single integrated structure. The liquid lens unit is directly disposed in the lens holder, eliminating the need for a separate lens-moving apparatus and reducing the overall camera module size.
Solution Approach 2:
The base structure serves multiple functions: it holds the liquid lens unit, provides electrical connection through connection parts, and supports the lens holder. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing the camera module size.
3Reliability
If flexible printed circuit boards are bent to connect the liquid lens unit to the main board, then electrical connection is achieved, but tolerance at contact portions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the bent flexible printed circuit board connection with a rigid base structure that has connection parts formed directly on it. This rigid connection eliminates the tolerance issues associated with bending flexible circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The base acts as an intermediary structure between the liquid lens unit and the main board. The connection parts on the base provide a stable, rigid electrical connection path, eliminating the need for bent flexible circuits and reducing tolerance accumulation.
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 design enhances the reliability of electrical connections, reduces the camera module's size, and simplifies the alignment process by eliminating the need for bending substrates, while maintaining the optical image stabilization and auto-focusing functions.
Implementation Method 1
studies have been conducted on a liquid lens unit, which performs auto-focusing and hand-tremor compensation functions by electrically adjusting the curvature of an interface between two types of liquids
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module includes a liquid lens unit, a lens holder in which the liquid lens unit is disposed, a main board configured to supply a driving signal to drive the liquid lens unit, and a base disposed between the liquid lens unit and the main board, the base being configured to transmit the driving signal output from the main board to the liquid lens unit, wherein the base includes a body in which the lens holder is disposed, a first pillar and a second pillar protruding upwards from the body, and a first connection part and a second connection part electrically connecting the liquid lens unit to the main board.