Segmented Camera Module Cover with Elastic Mediators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compact camera modules face challenges in reducing size and manufacturing costs while maintaining mechanical tolerances and image quality in increasingly slim and lightweight portable electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A compact imaging module design that includes a lens holder and actuator with magnets and coils to adjust the lens position along an optical axis, utilizing elastic elements and a segmented outer cover for improved stability and rotational stiffness, allowing precise assembly and low-cost manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the size of portable electronic apparatuses is reduced to make them slimmer and lighter, then the compact camera module size must be reduced, but maintaining desirable mechanical tolerances becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The outer cover is divided into multiple segments that can be assembled together, allowing for modular construction that simplifies manufacturing while maintaining overall precision. The segmentation enables each part to be manufactured separately with standard tolerances, then assembled to achieve the required overall precision for the compact module.
Solution Approach 2:
Elastic elements are introduced as intermediary components between rigid structural parts. These elastic elements compensate for dimensional variations and tolerance accumulations that occur during assembly, enabling the maintenance of desirable mechanical tolerances even as the overall module size is reduced.
2Volume of moving object
If the camera module is made more compact, then the device fits into limited space, but manufacturing costs tend to increase due to tighter tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the outer cover and other components, the design allows for standard manufacturing processes to be used on each segment, avoiding the need for expensive precision machining of monolithic parts. This modular approach reduces manufacturing costs while achieving the compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes material selection and structural parameters to use cost-effective materials and manufacturing methods. Elastic elements and segmented structures are chosen to allow standard tolerance ranges, reducing the cost premium associated with tight tolerances while maintaining the compact size.
3Manufacturing precision
If elastic elements are used to improve stability and reduce tilting angle, then manufacturing precision requirements are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Elastic elements serve as intermediary components that absorb dimensional variations and prevent the transmission of misalignment between rigid parts. This mediation function reduces the precision requirements for individual components and their assembly, while the elastic elements themselves are simple in design despite their functional complexity.
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 design achieves high precision assembly, reduced tilting angle of the optical axis, and low manufacturing costs, enhancing image quality and stability of the lens holder motion.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator to adjust a position of a lens assembly along an optical axis
Implementation Method 2
utilizing elastic elements and a segmented outer cover for improved stability
Data Source
AI summary
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to an imaging device including an epoxy reservoir and a number of features to facilitate alignment of components during assembly of the imaging device.