Assembly Automation

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe an innovative new technology for assembling lens elements to electronic image capture modules with high-image quality.

Design/methodology/approach – Applying robotic technology, innovative high-precision optical sensing of focus and quick UV curing of fastening adhesive to accurately combine lens with sensor using 5 degree of freedom alignment.

Findings – Automation using five degrees of motion freedom can more accurately assemble digital camera systems than previous 1 degree of freedom approaches. The approach is also more cost effective.

Practical implications – Electronic camera systems can be assembled more quickly and accurately than with previous methods and with overall cost savings. Companies may also find that other high-accuracy devices can be assembled more precisely and cheaper using quick UV cure adhesives and vision systems for accurate placement.

Originality/value – Digital camera/image systems will be more accurate and less costly, increasing the number of applications to which they can be applied.