Stepped Image Sensor Module Layout for Thin Folded Zoom Cameras
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in mobile camera modules is to increase zoom magnification without increasing the thickness of the camera module, as the total track length required for higher zoom necessitates a longer light path to the image sensor, which is difficult to achieve without increasing the module's thickness, especially since the image sensor size is predetermined.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves an image sensor module design with a sub-housing that includes stepped portions to accommodate the image sensor, allowing for a reduced size in the direction determining the camera module's thickness, achieved through a manufacturing method that trims the substrate and sub-housing to match their widths and includes a reflective member to change the light path, maintaining the module's thinness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a reflector is used to change the light path by 90 degrees to increase total track length, then zoom magnification is improved, but the thickness of the camera module is determined by the image sensor size and cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the arrangement dimension of optical components from a linear sequence to a two-dimensional plane distribution. The image sensor, lens module, and reflector are arranged on different planes (the image sensor on one plane and the lens module with reflector on another plane), allowing the light path to be extended in the plane direction rather than requiring increased thickness in the vertical direction. This enables achieving a longer total track length without increasing camera module thickness.
2Area of stationary object
If the size of the image sensor is increased to accommodate the optical path, then zoom capability is improved, but the height of the image sensor module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent redistributes optical components across multiple planes rather than stacking them vertically. The image sensor is positioned on one plane while the lens module and reflector are positioned on another plane, allowing horizontal expansion of the optical path without vertical stacking. This plane-based arrangement increases the effective optical area without increasing the height of the image sensor module.
3Length of moving object
If the total track length is increased to achieve higher zoom magnification, then optical performance is improved, but the camera module thickness must increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the total track length by utilizing the plane dimension rather than the vertical thickness dimension. By arranging the lens module and reflector on a different plane from the image sensor, the light path can travel a longer distance horizontally across the module plane without requiring increased vertical thickness, thus achieving higher zoom magnification while maintaining a thin profile.
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 effectively reduces the image sensor module's size in the direction determining the camera module's thickness, enabling a thinner camera module with enhanced zoom capabilities without increasing the module's overall thickness.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector such as a prism may be used to change a path of the incident light by approximately 90 degrees
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor module is provided. The image sensor module includes an image sensor which has an imaging plane; a substrate on which the image sensor is mounted; and a sub-housing, coupled to the substrate, and configured to accommodate the image sensor, wherein, in the sub-housing and the substrate, first and second end portions of the sub-housing and the substrate that are spaced apart in a first direction, parallel to the imaging plane, are disposed together on one plane, perpendicular to the first direction, and the sub-housing includes a first stepped portion that is grooved in a direction, away from the image sensor, on an internal side surface of the sub-housing that faces the image sensor in the first direction.