Liquid Lens Camera Module with Direct FPCB-Free Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera modules with multiple lenses face issues of increased size due to the need for a separate lens moving apparatus and additional cover glass, leading to high power consumption and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design that eliminates the use of a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) for electrical connections, utilizing a lower connection substrate that surrounds the liquid lens to reduce size and complexity, allowing direct electrical connections without bending, thereby simplifying manufacturing and reducing parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate lens moving apparatus is used to move the lens assembly, then the auto-focusing and hand-tremor compensation functions are achieved, but the power consumption increases and the overall size of the camera module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical lens moving apparatus with a liquid lens unit that performs auto-focusing and hand-tremor compensation functions by electrically adjusting the curvature of an interface between two types of liquids, eliminating the need for mechanical actuators and reducing power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the lens from solid to liquid, allowing the lens curvature to be dynamically adjusted by changing electrical parameters (voltage) applied to the liquid lens unit, enabling function without mechanical movement
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate lens moving apparatus is used to move the lens assembly, then the auto-focusing and hand-tremor compensation functions are achieved, but an additional cover glass needs to be provided separately from the camera module to protect the lens moving apparatus, thus causing the overall size to increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective cover glass function with the lower connection substrate by forming the lower connection substrate to surround the liquid lens, eliminating the need for a separate cover glass and reducing overall size
Solution Approach 2:
The lower connection substrate serves multiple functions: providing electrical connections and simultaneously protecting the liquid lens unit, replacing the need for separate protective components
3Reliability
If a flexible printed circuit board is used to connect the liquid lens to the main board, then electrical connections are established, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the flexible printed circuit board from the system by implementing direct electrical connections between the lower connection substrate and the main board, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining reliable electrical connectivity
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 achieves a smaller, more reliable camera module with reduced manufacturing time and costs, improved tolerance accuracy, and enhanced electrical connectivity, enabling efficient active alignment and optical performance.
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
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AI summary
A camera module according to an embodiment comprises: a liquid lens part; a lens holder in which the liquid lens part is arranged; a main substrate for supplying a driving signal to drive the liquid lens part; and a base arranged between the liquid lens part and the main substrate, wherein: the liquid lens part comprises a liquid lens including an upper electrode and a lower electrode and a lower connection substrate connected with the lower electrode; and the base electrically connects the upper electrode with the main substrate and comprises an upper contact part arranged adjacent to the upper electrode on a plain and a lower contact part electrically connecting the lower connection substrate with the main substrate.