Non-Circular Lens Camera Module Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera modules with circular lenses often result in wasted light area due to mismatched shapes between lenses and image sensors, leading to inefficiencies in capturing light and requiring complex rotatable lens barrels for focal length adjustment.
Innovation Solution
The use of non-circular lenses and integrated focal length correction means, such as transparent substrates and spacers, allows for tailored lens shapes that match the image sensor array, eliminating the need for rotatable lens barrels and optimizing light capture while reducing module dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If circular lenses are used in camera modules, then light focusing capability is improved, but light capture efficiency deteriorates due to shape mismatch with rectangular image sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing the lens shape from circular to non-circular (rectangular or square) to match the rectangular image sensor geometry. This eliminates the wasted light area at the corners of circular lenses and maximizes light capture efficiency while maintaining proper focusing capability on the rectangular sensor surface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rotatable lens barrels are used for focal length adjustment, then focus flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotatable lens barrel system with an optical solution using aspherical lens surfaces and multiple lens elements with different focal lengths. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical threading and rotation mechanisms while achieving the same focus adjustment functionality through optical design, thereby reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic focus adjustment by designing lens elements with aspherical surfaces that can be positioned at different distances from the image sensor. This allows the optical system to dynamically change focal length and focus on objects at various distances without requiring complex mechanical rotation, achieving adaptability through optical positioning rather than mechanical movement.
3Volume of moving object
If non-circular lenses are used, then module dimensions are reduced, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the lens from circular to non-circular shapes. This allows the lens to conform to the rectangular image sensor and reduce the overall module dimensions. The manufacturing difficulty is managed through modern molding techniques that can produce non-circular lens shapes, balancing the benefit of compact size with manufacturability.
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 ensures efficient light capture and reduces the overall footprint of camera modules by aligning lens shapes with image sensor geometry, enhancing light utilization and simplifying focal length adjustment without the need for complex mechanical adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a lens that has a non-circular shape when viewed along an axis that is perpendicular to a surface of the active array region
Data Source
AI summary
Camera modules include a lens, a lens stack and/or an array of lenses. One or more of the lenses have a non-circular shape, which in some cases can provide greater flexibility in the dimensions of the module and can result in a very small camera module.