Auto focus-zoom actuator or camera module contamination reduction feature with integrated protective membrane

An auto-focusing camera module comprising:

• a. a lens system including a first end and a second end;
• b. an image sensor aligned to receive light from the second end of the lens system;
• c. a substrate comprising a recessed portion which the image sensor is positioned;
• d. an actuator system coupled to the lens system and to the substrate, wherein the actuator system includes an external opening aligned with the first end of the lens system such that the first end is exposed to an external environment to receive input light, further wherein the actuator system comprises one or more actuating components configured to move the lens system relative to the image sensor and to the actuator system, further wherein particulate traveling paths are formed between the one or more actuating components and between the lens system and the one or more actuating components, the particulate traveling paths extend from the external opening of the actuator system to the image sensor;
• and
• e. a protective membrane coupled around a perimeter of the first end of the lens system and coupled around the external opening of the actuator system, wherein the protective membrane is configured to filter particulates entering through the external opening, further wherein the protective membrane is configured to be expandable and contractible to accommodate movement of the lens system relative to the actuator system.

An auto-focusing camera module comprising:

• a. a lens system including a first end and a second end;
• b. an image sensor aligned to receive light from the second end of the lens system;
• c. a substrate comprising a recessed portion which the image sensor is positioned;
• d. an actuator system coupled to the lens system and to the substrate, wherein the actuator system includes an external opening aligned with the first end of the lens system such that the first end is exposed to an external environment to receive input light, further wherein the actuator system comprises one or more actuating components configured to move the lens system relative to the image sensor and to the actuator system, further wherein particulate traveling paths are formed between the one or more actuating components and between the lens system and the one or more actuating components, the particulate traveling paths extend from the external opening of the actuator system to the image sensor, wherein the actuator system further comprises an actuator support structure onto which the one or more actuating components are mounted, the actuator support structure includes an opening aligned with the second end of the lens system such that the second end is exposed to the image sensor;
• and
• e. a protective membrane coupled around a perimeter of the second end of the lens system and coupled around the opening of the actuator support structure, wherein the protective membrane is configured to filter particulates passing through the one or more traveling paths, further wherein the protective membrane is configured to be expandable and contractible to accommodate movement of the lens system relative to the actuator system.