Resin Hinge Spring for Camera Lens Barrel Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing camera module lens actuators using metal leaf springs are difficult to manufacture precisely, prone to deformation, expensive, and require a large number of complex processes, making them costly and time-consuming to produce.
Innovation Solution
A camera module utilizing a ring-shaped hinge spring made of elastic resin, manufactured through extrusion molding, which supports the lens barrel for linear motion, reducing manufacturing time and processes while providing a lightweight alternative to metal leaf springs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If metal leaf springs are used to support the lens barrel, then the lens barrel can move vertically for focusing, but the manufacturing precision is poor and deformation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to resin, enabling the spring to be manufactured through extrusion molding rather than press-processing. This parameter change allows for better precision control and eliminates deformation issues during manufacturing, as the resin material can be molded into the exact required shape without the variability inherent in metal forming processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs resin as a composite material that combines elasticity with moldability. The resin-based spring maintains the elastic properties needed for lens barrel support while allowing precise geometric control through extrusion molding, thereby achieving both manufacturing precision and elasticity consistency.
2Ease of manufacture
If metal leaf springs are used, then the lens barrel can be supported, but the manufacturing cost is high and manufacturing time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the spring functionality with a single extrusion-molded resin component. Instead of requiring separate metal forming, assembly, and finishing operations for leaf springs, the resin spring is produced in one continuous extrusion process, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process and improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adopts resin as a cheaper alternative to metal for the spring component. While resin may have different durability characteristics, it provides sufficient performance for the application at lower material cost and with simpler processing, making the overall manufacturing more cost-effective and efficient.
3Weight of moving object
If metal leaf springs are used, then the lens barrel can move linearly, but the overall device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses resin material that is inherently lighter than metal to counterbalance the weight issue. The resin spring maintains sufficient elastic strength and support capability while reducing the overall weight of the camera module, achieving a lighter moving object without sacrificing the necessary mechanical strength for linear motion support.
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 resin-based hinge spring solution enables a more efficient, cost-effective, and lightweight camera module with improved manufacturing precision and reduced complexity, allowing for stable linear motion of the lens barrel during focusing.
Implementation Method 1
a ring-shaped hinge spring which is extrusion-molded using resin having elasticity and which supports an upper portion of the lens barrel to guide linear motion of the lens barrel
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a camera module with a hinge spring which can stably support a lens barrel which is driven in a vertical direction for automatic focusing and which is made of lightweight resin, the camera module including a cylindrical lens barrel with lenses disposed therein for collecting images of external objects, a housing encasing the lens barrel in a manner such that the lens barrel vertically moves in an optical axis direction of the lenses, an automatic focusing actuator installed in the housing to cause linear motion of the lens barrel in the optical axis direction, and a ring-shaped hinge spring extrusion-molded using resin having elasticity to support an upper portion of the lens barrel and guide the linear motion of the lens barrel.