Liquid Lens Camera Module With Resistor-Based Temperature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional camera modules with multiple lenses face issues of increased size due to the need for a lens-moving apparatus and additional cover glass, which is not optimal for portable devices requiring high resolution and various photographing functions.

Innovation Solution

A camera module incorporating a liquid lens with a temperature sensor and heating controller, where resistors are disposed on a wider surface of the first plate to control temperature, allowing for precise temperature sensing and heating without increasing the module's size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a lens-moving apparatus is used to perform auto-focusing and hand-tremor compensation functions, then these photographing functions are achieved, but the overall size of the camera module increases and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephotographing functionsVSAvoidcamera module size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical lens-moving apparatus with a liquid lens that performs auto-focusing and hand-tremor compensation by electrically adjusting the curvature and tilting of the interface between two types of liquids. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical moving parts, reducing the overall module size and power consumption while maintaining the photographing functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The liquid lens changes its optical parameters (curvature and tilting of the liquid interface) in response to electrical signals. By applying voltage, the liquid lens can dynamically adjust its focal length and orientation to achieve auto-focusing and hand-tremor compensation without mechanical movement, thus resolving the size and power consumption issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If an additional cover glass is provided to protect the lens-moving apparatus, then the apparatus is protected, but the overall size of the camera module increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of lens-moving apparatusVSAvoidcamera module size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing the mechanical lens-moving apparatus with a liquid lens, the need for additional protective cover glass is eliminated. The liquid lens is inherently more compact and can be integrated directly into the camera module structure without requiring separate protection mechanisms, thus maintaining reliability while reducing overall size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the number of lenses is increased to achieve high resolution and various photographing functions, then the photographing capabilities are improved, but the size of the optical device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephotographing functionsVSAvoidoptical device size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid lens serves multiple functions - it can perform auto-focusing, hand-tremor compensation, and potentially zoom functions by electrically adjusting the curvature and tilting of the liquid interface. This multi-functionality allows a single liquid lens to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate lenses and moving apparatus, reducing the overall device size while maintaining high resolution and various photographing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution ensures operational stability and accurate temperature sensing while reducing the overall size of the camera module, improving space utilization and enabling efficient temperature control for the liquid lens.

Implementation Method 1

applying power to the resistor when there is a difference between the sensed temperature and the set target temperature of the liquid lens

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

a temperature sensor connected to the resistor and configured to sense the temperature of the liquid lens

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature sensing through resistance change: Thermistor

Data Source

PatentUS12392984B2Camera module including liquid lens, and control method thereof

Publication Date: 2025.08.19 LG INNOTEK CO LTD

AI summary

A camera module includes a liquid lens including a first plate and an individual electrode disposed on a first surface of the first plate; a resistor disposed on the first surface of the first plate so as to be spaced apart from the individual electrode; and a temperature sensor connected to the resistor and configured to sense a temperature of the liquid lens and a heating controller connected to the resistor and configured to control a temperature of the liquid lens.