Protected Interconnects for Solid State Camera Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional camera modules in portable devices face challenges with mechanical failures and space constraints due to the need for physically movable components, leading to increased complexity and risk of electrical interconnect damage as the device size decreases.

Innovation Solution

A camera module with a solid state lens that flexes in response to electrical signals, utilizing protected electrical interconnects embedded within the lens barrel holder to minimize exposure and enhance reliability, allowing for autofocus without bulky actuators and reducing the module's Z-axis profile.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional camera modules use physically movable components (magnets or motors) to adjust focal distance, then focus adjustment capability is achieved, but mechanical failures and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocus adjustment capabilityVSAvoidmechanical failure risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical lens movement system (magnets or motors) with a solid state lens that changes focal length through electrical signals. The solid state lens flexes in response to electrical signals to adjust focus, eliminating moving parts and associated mechanical failures while maintaining focus adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The solid state lens changes its physical parameters (shape/flexing) in response to electrical signals to adjust focal length. This allows the lens to transition between different focal states without mechanical movement, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Volume of moving object

If camera modules are miniaturized to reduce physical space, then device size decreases, but electrical connection complexity and damage risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera module sizeVSAvoidelectrical connection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electrical interconnects with the lens barrel holder structure. The interconnects are embedded within the lens barrel holder, combining the structural support function with the electrical connection function into a single integrated component. This reduces overall complexity and space requirements compared to separate wiring harnesses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical interconnects are nested within the lens barrel holder structure. The interconnects are positioned inside the lens barrel holder and protected by the holder walls, creating a nested configuration that saves space and reduces exposure to damage while maintaining electrical connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Volume of moving object

If camera modules are miniaturized to reduce physical space, then device size decreases, but the risk of electrical interconnect damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera module sizeVSAvoidelectrical interconnect durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical interconnects are nested within the lens barrel holder structure, positioned inside the holder walls. This nested configuration protects the interconnects from external damage sources such as scratches and vibrations while maintaining miniaturized dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The lens barrel holder structure serves as a protective barrier that cushions and shields the electrical interconnects from potential damage before damage can occur. The holder walls provide mechanical protection against scratches, vibrations, and other environmental factors that could compromise interconnect integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

The solution provides a compact, reliable camera module that maintains focus capabilities without mechanical actuators, protecting electrical interconnects from damage and reducing the risk of mechanical failures, thus enhancing the performance and durability of miniature camera systems.

Implementation Method 1

a solid state lens configured to flex, in response to one or more electrical signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroactive polymer actuation: Electroactive Polymer

Data Source

PatentUS11150438B2Protected interconnect for solid state camera module

Publication Date: 2021.10.19 APPLE INC

AI summary

A camera module includes a solid state lens that flexes, in response to electrical signals. A lens barrel holds the lens on the optical axis. A lens barrel holder holds the lens barrel above an image sensor. The lens barrel holder includes electrically conductive interconnects between a bottom and a top end of the lens barrel holder. The conductive interconnects are not exposed to an exterior of the lens barrel holder. The camera module includes two or more respective lower electrically conductive connections in proximity to the interconnects and connecting the electrically conductive interconnects to respective conductors for the one or more electrical signals. The camera module includes two or more upper conductive connections configured to electrically connect the solid state lens to respective ones of the two or more conductive interconnects.