Spot Welding Camera Module Assembly Using Elastic Clips

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrode inspection apparatuses for spot welding face challenges in assembling a camera module quickly and securely, as conventional methods like adhesives and screws are cumbersome and prone to errors due to camera displacement, leading to potential erroneous determinations.

Innovation Solution

The use of flexible band-like clips to assemble and fix the camera module components, ensuring the camera is securely positioned relative to the frames without the need for fastening portions, allowing for rapid assembly and minimizing positional errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If adhesive bonding is used to fix camera module components, then the components can be securely fixed, but the assembly process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent fixation stabilityVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces adhesive bonding (chemical system) with a mechanical clipping system. The clip structure with elastic deformation provides secure fixation through mechanical interlocking and elastic force, eliminating the need for adhesive application processes while maintaining reliable component fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes elastic deformation of the clip as a key parameter change. The clip is designed to deform elastically during assembly, allowing it to engage with the camera holder and maintain secure fixation through its elastic recovery force, thereby achieving reliable bonding without adhesives.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If screws are used to fasten camera module components, then the components can be firmly fixed, but multiple fastening portions increase the volume and assembly time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent fixation stabilityVSAvoidnumber of fastening portions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple fastening functions into a single integrated clip structure. The clip simultaneously provides positioning, fixation, and pressure application to the camera, eliminating the need for multiple separate fastening portions and screws, thereby reducing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clip structure serves multiple functions: it acts as a fastener, a positioner, and an applicator of contact pressure to secure the camera. This multi-functional design replaces multiple specialized fastening components, reducing the overall complexity of the camera module assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If multiple fastening portions are created for screw assembly, then components can be securely fixed, but the camera module volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent fixation stabilityVSAvoidcamera module volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates multiple fastening portions into a single continuous clip structure. This merging approach maintains secure fixation capability while eliminating the need for multiple discrete fastening features that would increase the camera module volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a flexible band-like clip that can deform to accommodate the camera holder geometry. This flexible structure provides secure fixation without requiring bulky fastening portions, thereby maintaining a compact camera module volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 solution enables a more efficient and accurate assembly of the camera module, reducing assembly time, minimizing errors, and maintaining camera stability, thus enhancing the reliability of the electrode inspection apparatus.

Implementation Method 1

using resilient force of each of the clips to press the camera in a middle of the clip

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResilient force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2810734B1Electrode inspection device for spot welding
Publication Date: 2018.02.07 KYOKUTOH
  • EP2810734B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2810734B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2810734B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A small camera module is simply assembled in a short time, while reducing displacement of a camera relative to first and second frames. Specifically, the camera module 4 is assembled by bending a pair of clips 9 to engage engaging portions 9a of the clips 9 with engaging recesses 41c of the first and second frames 40a and 40b to fix the first frame 40a, camera holders 70, and the second frame 40b, with the first and second frames 40a and 40b located at both sides of each camera holder 70 with a housing recess 70c facing outward, and using resilient force of each of the clips 9 to press the camera 7 with a projection 9b of the clip 9.