Welded Imager Module Assembly for Stable Focal Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adhesive connections in imager modules for cameras or sensors are prone to swelling and property changes due to temperature and moisture, leading to unstable focal positions and potential defocusing.
Innovation Solution
Replace glued connections with welded connections, specifically laser-welded, between the objective and holding element, and between the holding element and the housing, using a metal holding element and housing for robustness, and a multipart housing design for assembly simplicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive connections are used between the objective and holding element, then the assembly is simple to manufacture, but the focal position becomes unstable under temperature and moisture influence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical adhesive connection system with a mechanical welding connection system. The holding element is welded to both the objective and the housing, creating a mechanically robust connection that maintains focal position stability under temperature and moisture variations, eliminating the swelling and aging problems associated with adhesives.
2Reliability
If welded connections are used between the holding element and housing, then the focal position stability improves under environmental conditions, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the holding element from inside the housing and positions it outside, bridging the radial gap between the objective and housing. This extraction simplifies the welding process by providing better access for laser welding and eliminates the need for complex internal fixture designs, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the connection system into distinct segments: the holding element, the objective, and the housing. The holding element acts as a separate welded component that bridges the gap between the objective and housing, allowing for modular assembly and simplified welding operations compared to integrating all components into a single complex structure.
3Volume of moving object
If the holding element is positioned inside the housing, then the assembly is compact, but access for welding and alignment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the holding element from a three-dimensional internal position to a two-dimensional radial bridge configuration outside the housing. By positioning the holding element to bridge the radial gap externally, the design maintains compactness in the axial dimension while providing excellent accessibility in the radial dimension for welding and alignment operations.
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 welded connections provide a stable focal position under varying environmental conditions, enhancing robustness and longevity while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
the holding element is welded, preferably spot-welded, to the objective and/or to the housing... The welded connection is preferably produced by means of a laser, so that it is a laser-welded connection
Data Source
AI summary
An imager module for a camera or a sensor. The imager module includes a housing, a sensor carrier which is fixedly connected to the housing and on which an image sensor is arranged, an objective, and a holding element via which the objective is held and is aligned with respect to the image sensor. The holding element is arranged outside the housing and bridges a radial gap between the objective and the housing. The holding element is welded to the objective and/or to the housing.