Camera Spacer Protrusions Cancel Diffraction Flare
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Solution Overview
Problem
In camera modules, the diffraction phenomenon occurring when light passes through the opening in a conventional spacer causes flare, leading to deteriorated image quality.
Innovation Solution
A spacer with a protruding portion featuring a plurality of protrusions on its inner side surface, where the lengths of the protrusions vary in a circumferential direction to prevent diffraction and flare.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional spacer with a simple opening is used, then the device complexity is low and manufacturing is easy, but diffraction phenomenon occurs causing flare and deteriorated image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer applies local quality by creating protrusions only at specific locations on the inner side surface where light passes close to the wall. These localized protrusions are positioned strategically to prevent diffraction without requiring the entire spacer structure to be complex. The protrusions have varying lengths in the circumferential direction, creating different local optical properties to cancel diffraction effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer employs asymmetry by designing protrusions with varying lengths in the circumferential direction rather than uniform circular symmetry. This asymmetric configuration creates different optical paths for light rays passing through different regions of the opening, which helps cancel diffraction effects. The asymmetric pattern disrupts the regular diffraction pattern that would occur with a symmetric structure.
2Reliability
If the spacer structure is modified to prevent diffraction, then image quality improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer uses curvature by forming protrusions with rounded tips rather than sharp edges. This curved geometry helps gradually transition light paths and reduces abrupt diffraction effects. The curved surfaces of the protrusions create smoother optical transitions compared to angular structures, improving image quality while being more tolerant to manufacturing variations.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a spacer with varying protrusion lengths is manufactured, then diffraction interference is canceled preventing flare, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer applies periodic action by arranging protrusions in a repeating circumferential pattern with varying lengths. This periodic structure creates interference patterns that cancel flare effects. The regular repetition of the protrusion pattern around the opening allows systematic cancellation of harmful diffraction effects while maintaining a manufacturable periodic structure.
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 varying lengths of protrusions on the spacer's inner side surface effectively cancel out interference due to diffraction, thereby preventing flare and enhancing image quality in camera modules.
Implementation Method 1
When the light passes close to the inner wall of the opening, a diffraction phenomenon may occur. The diffraction phenomenon may cause the occurrence of a flare.
Implementation Method 2
Lengths of the plurality of protrusions vary in a circumferential direction of the protruding portion... effectively cancel out interference due to diffraction
Data Source
AI summary
A spacer includes: an opening through which light passes; an inner side surface forming the opening; and a protruding portion including a plurality of protrusions protruding from the inner side surface. Lengths of the plurality of protrusions vary in a circumferential direction of the protruding portion.