Nested Lens Tube Structure for Camera Module Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to reduce the size of lens tubes in camera modules, particularly wide-angle camera modules, without degrading optical image quality or affecting the optical axis, to accommodate the demand for thinner and lighter electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A lens miniaturization structure is introduced, featuring a first lens with a protrusion edge and a lens tube with a concave structure, where the inner diameter of the lens tube is smaller than the outer diameter of the first lens, and includes an actuator bracket and gasket to stabilize and position the lenses, allowing for reduced overall diameter without compromising optical performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the inner diameter of the lens tube is reduced to minimize the lens tube size, then the lens tube diameter is reduced, but it becomes difficult to accommodate the first lens and maintain proper optical alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The first lens is nested within the lens tube through a precisely engineered fit where the outer diameter of the first lens matches the inner diameter of the lens tube. This nesting arrangement allows the lens tube to be minimized in size while still accommodating the first lens and maintaining optical axis alignment through the tight fit and supporting structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens tube and first lens feature localized structural characteristics including protrusion edges on the lens and corresponding concave structures in the lens tube. These local quality features provide precise positioning and support at critical interfaces, enabling minimal lens tube diameter while maintaining optical alignment through localized geometric relationships.
2Length of moving object
If the lens tube diameter is reduced to accommodate thinner electronic devices, then device thickness is reduced, but the structural support and positioning of lenses become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The first lens and second lens utilize curved spherical surfaces with specific radii of curvature to provide optical focusing functionality. These curved surfaces also distribute mechanical stresses more evenly across the lens structures, providing inherent structural strength within the minimized lens tube diameter to maintain positioning stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens tube features asymmetric structural elements including protrusion edges and concave structures positioned at specific locations rather than uniformly distributed. This asymmetric design provides targeted structural support and precise positioning functionality within the minimized lens tube, enabling thin device profile while maintaining lens stability through strategically placed support features.
Data Source
AI summary
A lens miniaturization structure, including a first side and a second side located opposite to the first side, the lens miniaturization structure includes a first lens; a lens tube, disposed on the first lens and including an aperture and an opening disposed on a side opposite to the aperture, the aperture facing the first side, the opening facing the second side; and a second lens, disposed in the lens tube and arranged between the aperture and the first lens. An inner diameter of the opening of the lens tube is less than an outer diameter of the first lens.