Magnetic Lens Barrel Coupling for Precise Camera Module Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera modules face issues with coupling reliability between the lens barrel and lens driving device due to foreign substance ingress, inaccurate positioning, and adhesive quantity variability, leading to potential separation, rotation, and distortion of the lens barrel, which affects image quality and resolution.

Innovation Solution

The camera module incorporates magnetic coupling portions on the lens barrel and bobbin, along with a stepped surface design and reinforcement frames, to enhance alignment, adhesive control, and rigidity, ensuring precise positioning and improved coupling strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If epoxy is used for assembling the lens barrel in a screwless type camera module, then the coupling between lens barrel and bobbin is achieved, but the epoxy penetrates between the lens barrel and bobbin, moves downward, and transfers to the image region causing foreign material defects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling reliabilityVSAvoidforeign material defects

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling structure is divided into multiple components: an insertion groove in the bobbin, an insertion protrusion on the lens barrel, and a separate adhesive member. This segmentation allows the adhesive to be contained within the insertion groove rather than freely penetrating into the image region, resolving the contradiction between achieving coupling reliability and preventing foreign material defects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If the amount of epoxy is less than the reference amount, then the coupling force between lens barrel and bobbin is weak causing separation, but if the amount is greater than the reference amount, then the epoxy contracts during curing causing lens barrel shape changes and optical axis distortion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling forceVSAvoidlens barrel shape accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion groove is prepared in advance with a specific volume capacity. The adhesive member is applied in a controlled amount that fills the insertion groove without overflow. This preliminary preparation of the coupling structure ensures that the adhesive amount is precisely controlled, providing sufficient coupling force while preventing contraction-induced shape changes during curing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If a vision system is used to determine the coupling position between lens barrel and lens driving device, then the coupling position can be determined, but the rotation range that can be controlled is about 10 degrees and the coupling position may be distorted due to vision error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling position accuracyVSAvoidcoupling position reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The vision-based coupling position determination is replaced with a mechanical coupling structure consisting of an insertion groove, insertion protrusion, and magnet assembly. This mechanical system provides precise and reliable coupling position determination without the limitations of vision system rotation range and error, achieving both high measurement precision and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of manufacture

If the lens barrel is coupled to an inaccurate position, then the rotation of the lens barrel from the bobbin occurs, but this causes resolution change in the camera module

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling process simplicityVSAvoidlens barrel positioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism uses magnetic attraction force between magnets in the insertion groove and corresponding magnets on the lens barrel to maintain precise positioning. This magnetic parameter provides continuous positional correction and stabilization, ensuring high positioning accuracy while maintaining a simple coupling process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This design improves the accuracy and reliability of the lens barrel and bobbin coupling, reduces rotation, and maintains resolution by enhancing adhesive control and structural integrity, thereby improving the overall performance of the camera module.

Implementation Method 1

the first coupling portion includes a first magnet, and the second coupling portion includes a second magnet corresponding to the first magnet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4586008A1Camera module and optical device comprising same

Publication Date: 2025.07.16 LG INNOTEK CO LTD

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AI summary

A camera module according to an embodiment includes a lens driving device including a receiving space; and a lens barrel disposed in the receiving space of the lens driving device, wherein the lens barrel includes a first coupling portion, wherein the lens driving device includes a second coupling portion, and wherein the first coupling portion includes a first magnet, and the second coupling portion includes a second magnet corresponding to the first magnet.