Segmented Suction Nozzle for Lens Barrel Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suction nozzles used in camera module manufacturing can damage lenses during the lifting and moving process due to their design, which poses a challenge in safely transferring lenses onto flexible printed circuit boards.
Innovation Solution
A suction nozzle assembly with a specific configuration of through holes and suction nozzle holes, sealed by fillers to create a vacuum, allows for the safe lifting and moving of lens barrels rather than just lenses, reducing damage and incorporating a vacuum component for secure attachment, along with a metal construction for durability and ease of cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rubber suction nozzle is used to lift and move the lens, then the lens can be transported during manufacturing, but the lens may be damaged due to the suction force and rubber material properties
Solution Approach 1:
The suction nozzle is divided into multiple independent suction holes (first, second, third suction holes) positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows distributed suction force application across the lens barrel, reducing localized stress and damage while maintaining overall gripping capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the suction nozzle have different properties: the nozzle body is made of rubber for flexibility and cushioning, while the internal structure includes metal reinforcement and specifically designed hole patterns. The suction holes are strategically positioned to match the lens barrel geometry, providing localized appropriate properties for safe gripping.
2Ease of manufacture
If a simple suction nozzle design is used, then the device is easy to manufacture and maintain, but the lens damage rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is segmented into modular components (nozzle body, reinforcement structure, suction holes) that can be manufactured separately and assembled. This modularity maintains ease of manufacture while enabling complex functionality through the coordinated arrangement of multiple suction holes and reinforcement elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction nozzle combines rubber material (for flexibility and cushioning) with metal reinforcement structures (for strength and durability). This composite construction provides both the ease of manufacture through standard material processing and the reliability needed to reduce lens damage through enhanced mechanical properties.
3Device complexity
If the suction nozzle grips only the lens, then the structure is simple, but the lens barrel cannot be securely held during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The suction holes are arranged in three-dimensional space around the lens barrel perimeter rather than concentrated at a single point. This spatial distribution across multiple dimensions provides comprehensive gripping security while maintaining relatively simple individual hole structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforced suction nozzle structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural strength to handle the lens barrel, distributes suction force through multiple holes, and maintains flexibility through rubber material. This multi-functionality achieves secure gripping without proportionally increasing 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 suction nozzle assembly effectively reduces lens damage to less than 5% by securely gripping the lens barrel and providing a strong vacuum, with a design that is easy to assemble, maintain, and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
A suction nozzle assembly with a specific configuration of through holes and suction nozzle holes, sealed by fillers to create a vacuum
Data Source
AI summary
A suction nozzle assembly used in manufacture for the gentlest handling of delicate components such as a camera lens includes a suction nozzle rod and a suction nozzle member. The suction nozzle rod includes a first through hole. The suction nozzle member includes a main body and a suction nozzle located on both sides of the main body. The main body includes a second through hole connected to the first through hole, and a third through hole connected to the second through hole. The suction nozzle includes at least one suction nozzle hole connected to the third through hole. The disclosure also provides a suction device having the suction nozzle assembly.