Abstract: A novel digital camera module includes an image capture device, a lens unit including a body, a housing including an opening for receiving the lens unit and positioning the lens unit with respect to the image capture device, and a contaminant trap formed by an isolated annular space between the lens unit and the opening of the housing. In a particular embodiment, the opening of the housing includes surfaces having at least two different perimeters, the smaller of which slidably engages the outer surface of the lens unit. The contaminant trap collects and contains any contaminants before they reach vulnerable components such as the image capture device and/or other optical components within the camera module.

Abstract: A method for assembling lens modules using laser bonding of external ramped surfaces. The method includes providing a lens housing with a sidewall with ramped surfaces and providing a lens barrel with external ramped surfaces. The lens barrel is positioned in contact with the lens housing such that the ramped surfaces of the lens barrel mate with the ramped surfaces of the lens housing. The lens barrel is rotated to focus a lens on an image sensor. With a laser, the method includes forming at least two bonds at an interface between the lens barrel and the lens housing such as proximate to the mating ramped surfaces. The bonds are located at equidistant points about the periphery of the lens module. The bonds may be circular or may be elliptical such as with a width along the interface that is at least twice the height of the bond.

Abstract: A method for assembling lens modules using laser bonding of external ramped surfaces The method includes providing a lens housing with a sidewall with ramped surfaces and providing a lens barrel with external ramped surfaces. The lens barrel is positioned in contact with the lens housing such that the ramped surfaces of the lens barrel mate with the ramped surfaces of the lens housing. The lens barrel is rotated to focus a lens on an image sensor. With a laser, the method includes forming at least two bonds at an interface between the lens barrel and the lens housing such as proximate to the mating ramped surfaces. The bonds are located at equidistant points about the periphery of the lens module. The bonds may be circular or may be elliptical such as with a width along the interface that is at least twice the height of the bond.

Abstract: A novel digital camera module includes an image capture device, a lens unit including a body, a housing including an opening for receiving the lens unit and positioning the lens unit with respect to the image capture device, and a contaminant trap formed by an isolated annular space between the lens unit and the opening of the housing. In a particular embodiment, the opening of the housing includes surfaces having at least two different perimeters, the smaller of which slidably engages the outer surface of the lens unit. The contaminant trap collects and contains any contaminants before they reach vulnerable components such as the image capture device and/or other optical components within the camera module.