Segmented Shield for Vehicle Camera Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge is to create a compact, cost-effective, and electromagnetically shielded camera module for vehicles that can be easily assembled, as existing solutions are either expensive due to metal housings or lack effective shielding.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design featuring a ring-shaped and hat-shaped shielding parts made of punched and folded sheet metal, connected by clip connectors, which encloses the printed circuit boards to provide reliable electromagnetic shielding and a space-saving construction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a metal housing is used to provide electromagnetic shielding, then electromagnetic shielding is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic shieldingVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding structure is divided into two separate parts: a ring-shaped first shielding part and a hat-shaped second shielding part. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured independently using cost-effective plastic materials instead of expensive metal housing, while together they provide the required electromagnetic shielding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite material construction by combining plastic material for the housing with electromagnetic shielding properties. The shielding parts are made of plastic material that can be coated or structured to provide electromagnetic shielding, replacing the traditional metal housing while reducing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Volume of moving object

If a compact design is implemented to save space, then volume is reduced, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera module volumeVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding structure is segmented into two parts that can be assembled in a simple sequence: the ring-shaped first shielding part is placed first, then the hat-shaped second shielding part is placed over it. This segmented approach maintains compact volume while keeping assembly straightforward.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shielding parts are designed to be self-aligning and self-securing through their geometric shapes. The ring-shaped and hat-shaped structures naturally fit together and to the circuit board, eliminating the need for complex fastening mechanisms and reducing assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If plastic housing is used to reduce cost, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but electromagnetic shielding capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidelectromagnetic shielding

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite material principles by using plastic housing material combined with electromagnetic shielding structures. The shielding parts can be made of plastic with conductive coatings or structures that provide electromagnetic shielding while maintaining the cost advantages of plastic manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The shielding function is segmented into separate shielded parts that are integrated with the plastic housing structure. This allows the plastic housing to maintain its cost advantages while the segmented shielding parts provide the necessary electromagnetic protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 achieves cost-effective manufacturing and assembly while ensuring electromagnetic shielding, preventing interference from external sources and allowing for a compact, stable, and efficient camera module installation.

Implementation Method 1

a shield for enclosing the printed circuit board... provides reliable electromagnetic shielding

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Implementation Method 2

the first shielding part and the second shielding part are connected to each other by one or more clip connectors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS11310947B2Camera module for a motor vehicle, method of using, and method of assembling a camera module

Publication Date: 2022.04.19 QUALCOMM AUTO LTD

AI summary

A camera module (1) for a motor vehicle, in particular for driver monitoring in the passenger compartment, including at least one printed circuit board (2) and a shield for enclosing the printed circuit board (2). The shield includes at least a first shielding part (7) and a second shielding part (10). The first shielding part (7) is a ring shaped part and the second shielding part (10) is a hat shaped part put over, enclosing, and contacting the first shielding part (7).