Sensor-Shift Camera Module Heat Bridge for Image Sensor Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

The sensor-shift system in camera modules has an air gap under the movable member, which hinders effective heat dissipation.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating heat dissipating members, such as bumps or vias, between the fixed and movable members to facilitate thermal conductivity and reduce the air gap, thereby improving heat dissipation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a sensor-shift system with an air gap under the movable member is used, then the movable member can move freely for image stabilization, but heat dissipation from the image sensor is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovability of movable memberVSAvoidheat dissipation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

A heat dissipating member is introduced as an intermediary element between the movable member and fixed member. This heat dissipating member includes a heat generation portion that contacts the movable member and a heat dissipation portion that extends toward the lens unit to radiate heat, thereby enabling effective heat transfer without compromising the movability of the movable member for image stabilization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The heat dissipating member utilizes thermal radiation principles where the heat dissipation portion radiates heat toward the lens unit. The lens unit acts as a heat sink, absorbing thermal energy from the image sensor through the heat dissipating member, effectively managing heat phase and preventing overheating while maintaining operational freedom

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

2Temperature

If heat dissipating members are added to improve thermal conductivity, then heat dissipation efficiency increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipation efficiencyVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heat dissipating member is integrated into the existing gap space between the movable member and fixed member, merging heat dissipation functionality with the structural void. This eliminates the need for separate heat dissipation components and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining effective thermal management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The heat dissipating member serves multiple functions: it provides thermal conduction from the movable member, acts as a heat radiation element toward the lens unit, and utilizes the existing gap space for structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall device architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enhances heat dissipation efficiency while minimizing friction and driving torque, ensuring effective operation of the camera module.

Implementation Method 1

at least one heat dissipating member that is fixed to at least one of the fixed member and the movable member and is in contact with the other in the gap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS12495192B2Camera module and electronic device with heat dissipating member

Publication Date: 2025.12.09 SONY SEMICON SOLUTIONS CORP

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a camera module and an electronic device that can improve heat dissipation. A movable member has an image sensor on a front side and is movable in a direction along an imaging surface of the image sensor, the fixed member is fixed with a predetermined gap interposed between the fixed member and the movable member on a back side of the movable member, and at least one heat dissipating member is fixed to at least one of the fixed member and the movable member and is in contact with the other in the gap. The present disclosure is applicable to a camera module of a sensor-shift system.