Method for assembling a self-adjusting lens mount for automated assembly of vehicle sensors
First Claim
1. A method for assembling an imaging system employing an adjustable lens mount system, comprising:
- mounting a lens mount base to an imager board having an imager mounted thereon, the imager having an active area with an optical flat surface, and the lens mount base having a back side facing the imager board and a front side opposite the imager board;
inserting a lens in a lens holder, the lens having an optical axis;
engaging the lens holder with the front side of the lens mount base without affixing the lens holder to the lens mount base;
moving the lens within the lens holder along the direction of the optical axis to focus the lens relative to the imager;
translating the lens holder relative to the lens mount base parallel to the optical flat surface of the imager until the optical axis is centered over the center of the active area of the imager; and
affixing the lens holder to the lens mount base.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method for assembling an imaging system employing an adjustable two piece lens mount system. The method is adapted for automated mounting of a lens in correct focus and alignment relative to a CMOS imaging device such that the optical axis of the lens is coincident with and perpendicular to the center of the active area of the imager array. The lens is secured by the axial pressure of flexible ribs that are symmetrically spaced around the internal bore of a lens holder and act on a smooth surface on the outside of the lens. This arrangement eliminates translation of the lens across the imager array. Another portion of the body of the lens is threaded such that the lens, when rotated about its optical axis is focused or axially aligned. When a focus or axial alignment point is reached, a staking fluid is added to the lens thread, through a hole in the lens holder to prevent de-focusing. The second component of the lens mount system, the lens mount base, is fixedly secured to an imager board on which is mounted a CMOS imager. The upper wall of the lens mount base is mounted in close, parallel proximity to the optical flat of the imager and has a rectangular opening which restricts light from the lens to the active area of the imager, and more specifically prevents light from falling on the column amplifiers of the imaging device. The design of both components is such that they may be moved relative to each other with external fixturing, in front of a known target, until it is decided that the lens is directly over the center of the imager array. The lens holder and the lens mount base are then fixed together permanently using a laser weld process or any other plastic bonding technique.
83 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for assembling an imaging system employing an adjustable lens mount system, comprising:
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mounting a lens mount base to an imager board having an imager mounted thereon, the imager having an active area with an optical flat surface, and the lens mount base having a back side facing the imager board and a front side opposite the imager board;
inserting a lens in a lens holder, the lens having an optical axis;
engaging the lens holder with the front side of the lens mount base without affixing the lens holder to the lens mount base;
moving the lens within the lens holder along the direction of the optical axis to focus the lens relative to the imager;
translating the lens holder relative to the lens mount base parallel to the optical flat surface of the imager until the optical axis is centered over the center of the active area of the imager; and
affixing the lens holder to the lens mount base. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for assembling an imaging system employing an adjustable lens mount system, comprising:
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mounting a lens mount base to an imager board having an imager mounted thereon, the imager having an active area with an optical flat surface;
engaging a lens holder with the lens mount base, the lens holder having a body portion with an inner bore, the bore having a surface threaded on a portion thereof and an unthreaded portion, and axial alignment means configured within the unthreaded portion of the bore;
inserting a lens in the lens holder in an unfocused position, the lens having an optical axis and a cylindrical barrel, the barrel including a threaded surface and an unthreaded surface, wherein the threaded surface of the lens barrel engages the threaded surface of the bore, and wherein the axial alignment means engages the unthreaded surface of the lens barrel; and
moving the lens within the lens holder along the direction of the optical axis to focus the lens relative to the imager while maintaining alignment of the optical axis of the lens perpendicular to the optical flat surface of the imager using said axial alignment means. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification