Segmented Flex Circuit for Camera Image Sensor Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cameras with moveable image sensors, there is a challenge in effectively communicating image data and signals due to the sensor's movement, which complicates the accommodation of movement within a small form factor, especially in consumer electronics where space is limited.
Innovation Solution
The use of flex circuits with multiple planar segments connected via bends, allowing the flex circuit to twist and accommodate the movement of the image sensor while maintaining a negligible impact on the camera's overall footprint, by being fixed relative to the image sensor and positioned to absorb movement along a specific direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid circuit board is used to connect the image sensor, then structural stability is maintained, but the circuit board cannot accommodate the movement of the image sensor during autofocus and image stabilization
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board is divided into multiple planar segments (first segment, second segment, third segment, fourth segment, fifth segment) connected by bends. This segmentation allows each segment to remain relatively stable while the connections between segments provide the necessary flexibility to accommodate image sensor movement during autofocus and image stabilization operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board transitions from a rigid, static structure to a dynamic structure with multiple planar segments connected by bends. This dynamic configuration allows the circuit board to adapt its shape and accommodate the movement of the image sensor while maintaining electrical connectivity and structural integrity throughout the range of motion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible cable is used to accommodate image sensor movement, then movement flexibility is improved, but signal communication reliability deteriorates due to excessive bending and twisting
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible circuit board is segmented into multiple planar sections connected by controlled bends. This segmentation allows the circuit to flex and twist during image sensor movement while distributing the mechanical stress across multiple segments and bends, preventing excessive deformation at any single location and maintaining signal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board utilizes a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) structure with thin film characteristics that allows controlled flexibility. The flexible nature of the circuit board enables it to accommodate image sensor movement while the controlled bend locations and segment geometry ensure that signal traces maintain adequate clearance and avoid excessive deformation that would compromise electrical connectivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the camera components are arranged to accommodate large image sensor movement, then movement range is improved, but the camera form factor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement with segments extending in multiple directions (first direction, second direction, third direction perpendicular to each other). This multi-dimensional configuration allows the circuit board to accommodate image sensor movement in multiple axes while maintaining a compact overall footprint, as the segments fold and twist in different spatial dimensions rather than requiring linear space.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple planar segments of the circuit board are arranged in a nested, folded configuration where segments are positioned adjacent to and overlapping with camera components such as the lens assembly and image sensor. This nesting allows the circuit board to utilize the three-dimensional space within the camera housing efficiently, accommodating image sensor movement without increasing the external dimensions of the camera.
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 solution enables efficient signal communication and movement of the image sensor, allowing for both autofocus and optical image stabilization capabilities without increasing the camera's size, particularly beneficial in compact devices like smartphones and tablets.
Implementation Method 1
the flex circuit may be positioned such that the first segment twists when the image sensor moves along the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A flex circuit that may accommodate movement of an image sensor within a camera. The flex circuit generally includes a plurality of planar segments between a first end that is fixed relative to the image sensor and a second end that is fixed relative to one or more camera components. One or more of the planar segments twists when the image sensor is moved within the camera.