Sensor Driving Device Connector Design for Compact Camera Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera modules face challenges in reducing the size and power consumption of sensor driving devices while maintaining effective autofocus and image stabilization functions.

Innovation Solution

A sensor driving device design featuring a first substrate with a housing, a support member, an image sensor, a connector for elastic support, and driving parts, where the connector is bent multiple times to provide stable elastic support and minimize stress, and a camera module with a lens module and substrates connected for power efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the size of the sensor driving device is reduced, then the compactness of the camera module is improved, but the stability of the support member may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesize of sensor driving deviceVSAvoidstability of support member
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into multiple bent regions (first, second, third bent regions) that segment the stress distribution along its length. This segmentation allows the connector to maintain stability while occupying minimal space, resolving the contradiction between compactness and support member stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector employs multiple bent regions with curved geometries instead of straight lines. These curved paths (first, second, third bent regions) enable the connector to fit within a compact volume while maintaining sufficient length for stable elastic support, thus achieving both small size and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Volume of moving object

If the connector is made more flexible to reduce size, then the compactness is improved, but the stress distribution may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesize of sensor driving deviceVSAvoidstress distribution on connector
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is segmented into multiple bent regions that distribute stress along its length. Each bent region acts as a stress distribution zone, preventing stress concentration at any single point while maintaining flexibility for compact design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The multiple bent regions in the connector serve as pre-designed stress absorption zones that cushion and distribute applied forces before they reach critical points. This beforehand cushioning through geometric design prevents stress concentration while enabling compact dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If the number of bent regions in the connector is increased, then the elastic support stability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelastic support stabilityVSAvoidconnector manufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connector uses standardized bent regions with consistent curvature patterns that can be manufactured using conventional forming processes. The repeated curved geometry simplifies manufacturing compared to irregular shapes, achieving high elastic support stability without excessive manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector design optimizes the number and configuration of bent regions to achieve the minimum necessary for stable elastic support. By carefully selecting parameters such as bend radius, angle, and number of regions, the design achieves high reliability while remaining manufacturable with standard processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables a compact camera module with reduced power consumption and improved stability, achieving the goal of minimizing the size of the sensor driving device while maintaining autofocus and image stabilization functions.

Implementation Method 1

a connector electrically connecting the first substrate and the support member and elastically supporting the support member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20240422419A1Sensor driving device and camera module
Publication Date: 2024.12.19 LG INNOTEK CO LTD
  • US20240422419A1 patent drawing
  • US20240422419A1 patent drawing
  • US20240422419A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A sensor driving device may include a first substrate including an opening, an image sensor disposed at a position corresponding to the opening, a support member on which the image sensor is disposed and connected to the first substrate, a base having a first driving unit, and a housing comprising a second driving unit facing the first driving unit. Further, the image sensor may be configured to move in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis direction by an interaction between the first driving part and the second driving part.