Prism Base Wiring Integration for Thin Camera Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to integrate a camera module with a prism assembly into thin and lightweight electronic devices, such as smartphones, while accommodating circuit boards and wiring without compromising thickness or functionality.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design that includes a prism base with a metal member, insulation layers, and wiring layers, along with an elastic member and prism driving mechanisms, which allows for the rotation of the prism unit relative to the base and the integration of electrically independent metal wires, enabling efficient light reflection and image capture without the need for additional flexible printed circuit boards or embedded wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a conventional camera module design is used with separate circuit boards and embedded wires, then the electrical connections are established, but the thickness and weight of the electronic device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the circuit board, wiring, and prism base into a single integrated structure. The metal member with insulation layers and wiring layers is directly formed on the prism base, eliminating the need for separate circuit boards and embedded wires. This merging reduces both weight and structural complexity while maintaining all necessary electrical connections for prism driving and signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the prism base, acts as a circuit board carrier, provides electrical connections through integrated wiring layers, and serves as a mounting structure for the prism unit. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing overall weight and simplifying the device structure.
2Reliability
If additional circuit boards and embedded wires are added to accommodate prism driving mechanisms, then the electrical connections are established, but the volume of the camera module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board and prism base are merged into a single integrated structure where the wiring layers are directly formed on the metal member of the prism base. This integration eliminates the need for additional circuit boards and reduces the volume required for electrical connections while maintaining reliable electrical connectivity for prism driving mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiring structure transitions from a three-dimensional embedded wire configuration to a planar wiring layer configuration on the metal member surface. This dimensional change allows for more efficient use of space, reducing the overall volume required for electrical connections while maintaining all necessary connectivity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the prism base structure is simplified to reduce manufacturing complexity, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the hardness and collision resistance decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The prism base uses a composite structure consisting of a metal member (providing hardness and strength), insulation layers (providing electrical isolation), and wiring layers (providing electrical connections). This composite material approach maintains the hardness and collision resistance of the metal base while incorporating necessary electrical components, and the integrated formation process simplifies manufacturing compared to assembling separate components.
4Strength
If the metal member thickness is increased to improve collision resistance, then the strength is improved, but the total thickness of the prism base increases
Solution Approach 1:
The prism base employs a composite structure where a relatively thin metal member provides sufficient collision resistance, while insulation layers and wiring layers are integrated within the same thickness envelope. The metal member thickness is optimized to provide necessary strength without excessive thickness, and the insulation and wiring layers are formed as thin films on the metal surface, maintaining overall compactness.
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 enhances the camera module's hardness to resist collisions, simplifies manufacturing, minimizes volume, and maintains accurate rotation angles, while eliminating the need for additional circuit boards, thus addressing the challenge of integrating a camera module into thin electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
The image sensor can catch the light reflected by the prism unit and passing through the lens unit
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module is provided, including a prism base, a prism driving mechanism, a prism unit, a lens unit, and an image sensor. The lens unit is disposed on the lens driving mechanism. The prism base includes a metal member, at least one first wiring layer, and a first insulation layer disposed between the metal member and the first wiring layer. The prism driving mechanism is electrically connected to the first wiring layer. The prism unit is connected to the prism driving mechanism, and the prism driving mechanism can drive the prism unit to rotate relative to the prism base. The image sensor can catch the light reflected by the prism unit and passing through the lens unit.