Nested Lens Barrel Axial Force Transmission for Compact Camera Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera modules for automotive applications face challenges in reducing size without compromising optical performance, particularly when used in advanced driver-assistance systems or autonomous driving systems, where wide-angle views are required.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design featuring a lens set with an outside view lens and a small-diameter lens, where the small-diameter lens is disposed inside an inner lens barrel, and an axial force-transmitting portion ensures that both lenses are securely aligned and retained, allowing for size reduction without sacrificing optical performance. Additionally, a lens barrel with a lens barrel axial force applying portion retains the outside view lens using an axial force along the optical axis, enabling a smaller front end portion without compromising the optical surface diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the lens barrel size is reduced, then the camera module size is decreased, but the optical performance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the small-diameter lens inside the inner lens barrel, which is itself positioned within the outer lens barrel. This nested configuration allows multiple lens elements to be compactly arranged without increasing the overall module size, while maintaining the optical performance required for wide-angle automotive imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens system is segmented into two distinct barrels: an outer lens barrel containing the outside view lens, and an inner lens barrel containing the small-diameter lens. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each lens element's position and size, enabling size reduction while preserving optical quality through precise control of light paths from both lenses.
2Volume of moving object
If the small-diameter lens is used, then the lens barrel diameter is reduced, but the axial force transmission between lenses is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The axial force-transmitting portion acts as an intermediary mechanical element between the outside view lens and the small-diameter lens. It transfers axial forces across the different diameter lenses, ensuring proper alignment and retention of both lens elements within their respective barrels without requiring direct contact between the lenses themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The axial force-transmitting portion serves multiple functions: it transmits axial forces between lenses of different diameters, maintains positional alignment, and provides structural support for the inner lens barrel assembly. This multi-functionality allows the compact design to achieve both size reduction and adequate force transmission.
3Volume of moving object
If the front end portion of the lens barrel is reduced in size, then the overall lens barrel size is decreased, but the optical surface diameter is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by utilizing the axial dimension (depth) to accommodate the optical surfaces. The outside view lens and small-diameter lens are positioned at different axial locations within the nested barrel structure, allowing each lens to have sufficient optical surface diameter for its function while the overall barrel remains compact in radial dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module is attached to an inside of a windshield of a vehicle to capture an image of an outside view. The camera module includes an imager, a lens set equipped with a first lens and a second lens, a lens barrel in which the lens set is disposed, and a main spacer fit in the lens barrel. The lens barrel retains the first lens using an axial force oriented along an optical axis of the lens set. The main spacer is disposed between the first and second lenses and transmits the axial force from one of the first and second lenses to the other. This structure enables the camera module to be reduced in size without sacrificing the optical performance thereof.