Sensor shift structure in an optical image stabilization suspension

Abstract

Sensor shift structures in an optical image stabilization suspension, in particular a suspension assembly, are described. The suspension assembly includes a rigid interposer circuit, a plurality of flex circuits configured to be attached to the rigid interposer circuit and movable with respect to a static board about x and y axes, and a sensor mounting area on the rigid interposer circuit.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 17 / 137,278, filed December 29, 2020, and also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 958,104, filed January 7, 2020, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to optical image stabilization (OIS) suspension used in conjunction with cameras, including optical image stabilization suspension incorporated into mobile devices such as mobile phones and tablets. Background Technology

[0004] Shape memory alloy (“SMA”) camera lens optical image stabilization (“OIS”) suspensions are well known and widely disclosed in, for example, Howarth U.S. Patent 9,175,671, Miller U.S. Patent 9,366,879, and Brown U.S. Patent 9,479,699, as well as Ladwig U.S. Patent Application Publication 2016 / 0154251, Eddington U.S. Patent Application Publication 2015 / 0135703, and Howarth U.S. Patent Application Publication 2015 / 0346507, and PCT international applications numbered WO 2014 / 083318 and WO 2013 / 175197, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and for all purposes. An embodiment includes a movable member mounted to a support member. A base may be mounted to the side of the support member opposite the movable member. These types of OIS components have an image sensor mounted to the base or support member and a lens holder with an autofocus (“AF”) assembly or mechanism mounted to the moving member. An SMA line couples the moving member to the support member and is controlled by a controller. The SMA line is driven to move the moving member relative to the support member about the xy-axis, thereby stabilizing the position of the image generated by the lens on the sensor to resist vibrations such as those that may be caused by movement of the user's hand.

[0005] However, there remains a need for improved OIS suspensions. Types of OIS suspensions that are highly functional, robust, and productive are particularly desirable. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A suspension assembly is described. The suspension assembly includes: a static member or plate; a movable member or plate movable relative to the static plate about (around, along) an x-axis and a y-axis; a sensor mounting area located on the movable plate; and one or more shape memory alloy (SMA) elements extending between and coupled to the static plate and the movable plate. When driven by a controller, the SMA elements cause the movable plate and the sensor mounting area thereon to move relative to the static plate about (around, along) the x-axis and the y-axis.

[0007] Other features and advantages of embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings by way of example rather than limitation, wherein similar reference numerals denote similar elements, and wherein:

[0009] Figure 1 A sensor shift camera system including an optical image stabilization suspension is shown according to an embodiment;

[0010] Figure 2 An exploded view of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly according to an embodiment is shown;

[0011] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A perspective view of the optical image stabilization suspension assembly shown;

[0012] Figure 4 An exploded view of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly including a centering spring, according to an embodiment, is shown.

[0013] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 A perspective view of the optical image stabilization suspension assembly shown;

[0014] Figure 6 The centering spring of the optical image stabilization suspension assembly according to an embodiment is shown;

[0015] Figure 7 An exploded view of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly including four SMA lines according to an embodiment is shown;

[0016] Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 A perspective view of the optical image stabilization suspension assembly shown;

[0017] Figure 9 An exploded view of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly including loop-type SMA lines according to an embodiment is shown;

[0018] Figure 10 It shows Figure 9 A perspective view of the optical image stabilization suspension assembly shown;

[0019] Figure 11a and Figure 11b A loop-type SMA line configuration for an optical image stabilization suspension assembly is shown according to some embodiments;

[0020] Figure 12 A cross-section of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly according to an embodiment is shown;

[0021] Figure 13 An optical image stabilization suspension assembly, implemented as a square line sensor assembly according to an embodiment, is shown;

[0022] Figure 14 It shows Figure 13 A perspective view of the optical image stabilization suspension assembly shown;

[0023] Figure 15 An optical image stabilization suspension assembly, implemented as an arc-shaped sensor assembly according to an embodiment, is shown;

[0024] Figure 16 It shows Figure 15 A perspective view of the bow-shaped sensor assembly shown;

[0025] Figure 17 An optical image stabilization suspension assembly, implemented as a bimetallic actuator according to an embodiment, is shown;

[0026] Figure 18 This illustrates an exemplary movement of SMA material as it is heated and transitions from a cold state to a hot state and then back to a cold state;

[0027] Figure 19 An optical image stabilization suspension assembly, implemented as a bimetallic actuator according to an embodiment, is shown;

[0028] Figure 20 A bimetallic actuator in a flat, pre-formed state according to an embodiment is shown;

[0029] Figure 21 A semi-roller-shaped intermediate layer for an optical image stabilization suspension assembly according to an embodiment is shown;

[0030] Figure 22 It shows that in the formation as Figure 21 The semi-roller-shaped intermediary layer shown is in its final state before being in a flat state.

[0031] Figure 23An intermediate layer with a 45-degree bend is shown for an optical image stabilization suspension assembly according to an embodiment;

[0032] Figure 24 An intermediate layer with a 45-degree bend is shown for an optical image stabilization suspension assembly according to an embodiment;

[0033] Figure 25 It shows that in the formation as Figure 23 The final state of the intermediary layer shown is previously a flat intermediary layer with flexible circuitry protruding from all four sides of the intermediary layer;

[0034] Figure 26 The bottom side of a moving member including a heat dissipation feature of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly according to an embodiment is shown;

[0035] Figure 27 A cross-sectional view of the bottom of a moving member including a heat dissipation feature of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly according to an embodiment is shown;

[0036] Figure 28 A cross-sectional view of the top of a moving member, including the heat dissipation features of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly and a thermally conductive coating, is shown according to an embodiment.

[0037] Figure 29 A movable member including a through-hole and a thermally conductive coating is shown in an optical image stabilization suspension assembly according to an embodiment;

[0038] Figure 30 An optical image stabilization suspension assembly including one or more Hall sensors is shown according to an embodiment;

[0039] Figure 31 An exploded view of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly, including one or more capacitive probes as motion sensors, according to an embodiment, is shown.

[0040] Figure 32 An example of using a capacitive probe to determine movement is shown according to an embodiment;

[0041] Figure 33 An example of determining the nominal or center position of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly according to an embodiment is shown;

[0042] Figure 34 An optical image stabilization suspension assembly, including a strain gauge as a motion sensor, is shown according to an embodiment.

[0043] Figure 35 An exploded view of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly implemented as a bimetallic actuator according to an embodiment is shown;

[0044] Figure 36 It shows Figure 35 The diagram shown is a perspective view of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly implemented with a bimetallic actuator.

[0045] Figure 37 A segment of a bimetallic actuator according to an embodiment is shown, comprising a bicrystalline actuator on an inner rail, flexible trace wiring on an outer rail, and a motion sensor such as the motion sensor described herein.

[0046] Figure 38 A top view of a bimetallic actuator including a moving part and a fixed part according to an embodiment is shown;

[0047] Figure 39 A layout pattern for forming an integrated SMA bipolar X / Y actuator is shown according to an embodiment;

[0048] Figure 40 An exploded view of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly, implemented according to an embodiment, is shown.

[0049] Figure 41 As shown Figure 40 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional representation of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly with integrated SMA actuator components.

[0050] Figure 42 A perspective view of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly, implemented according to an embodiment, is shown.

[0051] Figure 43 A side view of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly, implemented according to an embodiment, is shown.

[0052] Figure 44 A cross-section of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly, implemented according to an embodiment, with an integrated SMA actuator assembly, is shown.

[0053] Figure 45 An optical image stabilization suspension assembly with an integrated rigid interposer circuit is shown according to an embodiment;

[0054] Figure 46 An example is shown. Figure 45 Flexible circuitry for optical image stabilization suspension components;

[0055] Figure 47 The process of mounting a flexible circuit onto a rigid interposer circuit to form a single sensor shifting circuit, according to an embodiment, is illustrated.

[0056] Figure 48 A sensor shifting circuit module according to an embodiment is shown;

[0057] Figure 49 A cross-sectional view of a sensor shifting circuit module according to an embodiment is shown; and

[0058] Figure 50 The bonding tail region of a flexible circuit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0059] Embodiments of the present invention include an optical image stabilization (OIS) suspension having a static member or plate or support member or plate, a movable member or plate, and one or more shape memory alloy (SMA) elements or lines extending between the static plate and the movable plate. An image sensor is mounted to the movable plate. Lens components, such as lens mounts and optional autofocus (AF) assemblies, are fixedly mounted to or relative to the static plate. The SMA lines can be driven by a controller to move the movable plate and the image sensor thereon relative to the static plate and the lens components about (around, along) the xy-axis, thereby stabilizing the position of the lens components and the image generated thereon on the sensor. Therefore, the OIS suspension can compensate for vibrations such as those that may be caused by movement of a user's hand. These types of suspensions can be miniaturized and used, for example, with camera lenses and imaging systems incorporated into mobile phones, tablets, and other devices.

[0060] Embodiments of the invention are described in the appended document entitled “SMA OIS Sensor Shift Components,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes. Processes and structures of the type described in the patents mentioned above in the Background section can be used in conjunction with these embodiments. Conventional additive (additive) deposition and / or subtractive (subtractive) processes (such as wet (e.g., chemical) and dry (e.g., plasma) etching, electroplating and electroless plating, and sputtering processes combined with photolithography (e.g., using patterned and / or unpatterned photoresist masks) and mechanical forming methods (e.g., using punches and dies) can be used to manufacture OIS suspension components according to embodiments of the invention.These types of additive and subtractive processes are known, for example, and are used in the manufacture of disk drive head suspensions, and are generally disclosed in the following U.S. patents (all of which are incorporated herein by reference and for all purposes): U.S. Patent 8,941,951, entitled "Head Suspension Flexure with Integrated Strain Sensor and Sputtered Traces," Bennin et al.; U.S. Patent 8,885,299, entitled "Low Resistance Ground Joints for Dual Stage Actuation Disk Drive Suspensions," Bennin et al.; U.S. Patent 8,169,746, entitled "Integrated Lead Suspension with Multiple Trace Configurations," Rice et al.; U.S. Patent 8,144,430, entitled "Multi-Layer Ground Plane Structures for Integrated Lead Suspensions," Hentges et al.; and U.S. Patent 8,144,430, entitled "Multi-Layer Ground Plane Structures for Integrated Lead Suspensions." U.S. Patent 7,929,252 entitled “Suspensions”, U.S. Patent 7,388,733 entitled “Making Noble Metal Conductive Leads for Suspension Assemblies” by Swanson et al., U.S. Patent 7,384,531 entitled “Plated Ground Features for Integrated Lead Suspensions” by Peltoma et al., and U.S. Patent 5,862,015 entitled “Head Suspension with Resonance Feedback Transducer” by Evans et al.

[0061] Although described in conjunction with certain embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In particular, while features of embodiments are described individually or in combination with certain other features, features of the described embodiments may be combined with any or all features of other embodiments. As a non-limiting example, any or all embodiments of the described x / y flexible circuit / connector, thermal management, and / or x / y position feedback concepts may be incorporated into or combined with any sensor shifting mechanism concept.

[0062] Figure 1 A sensor-shift camera system including an optical image stabilization suspension assembly is illustrated according to an embodiment. The sensor-shift camera system 100 includes a lens stack assembly 102 mounted in an autofocus assembly 104. The autofocus (“AF”) assembly 104 includes one or more lenses 106a-d configured to focus an image onto an image sensor 108 using techniques including those known in the art. The AF assembly 104 is mounted on a camera housing 112.

[0063] The AF assembly 104 may be a voice coil magnet actuator (“VCM”) AF assembly or an SMA actuator AF assembly. The VCM AF assembly uses a voice coil magnet actuator to generate movement in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the image sensor 108 (e.g., in the direction of the z-axis 110 of the sensor-shift camera assembly 101) to move one or more of the lenses 106a-d, thereby focusing an image onto the image sensor 108 using techniques including those known in the art. The SMA actuator AF assembly uses an SMA actuator to generate movement in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the image sensor 108 (e.g., in the direction of the z-axis 110 of the sensor-shift camera assembly 100) to move one or more of the lenses 106a-d, thereby focusing an image onto the image sensor 108 using techniques including those known in the art.

[0064] The image sensor 108 is attached to an optical image stabilization suspension assembly 114. The optical image stabilization suspension assembly 114 is configured to move the image sensor 118 in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis 120 of the image sensor (e.g., in the x and y directions of the sensor-shifting camera assembly 100 relative to the z-axis 110). Displacement of the image sensor 108 relative to the static lens stack assembly 102 in the x and y directions allows for the use of a longer SMA cable because the optical image stabilization suspension assembly 114 does not need to make room for image rays. The advantage of using a longer SMA cable is that it allows for a longer travel, which provides the optical image stabilization suspension assembly 114 with the ability to compensate for greater movement.

[0065] According to various embodiments, the optical image stabilization suspension assembly 114 includes a static member 124 (which may also be referred to as a static plate) and a movable member 122 (which may also be referred to as a movable plate). The movable member 122 is configured to receive the image sensor 108. For example, the image sensor 108 is attached to the movable member 122 at a sensor mounting area on the movable member 122. In some embodiments, the sensor mounting area is located at or near the center of the movable member 122. In various embodiments, the image sensor 108 is attached to the movable member such that the image sensor 108 is located between the movable member 122 and the static member 124 to reduce the height of the optical image stabilization suspension assembly 114, which can reduce the total height required for the sensor-shift camera assembly 100.

[0066] Figure 2An exploded view of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly according to an embodiment is shown. The optical image stabilization suspension assembly 214 is configured to have an image sensor 208 disposed on and attached to a moving member 222. The moving member 222 includes wire crimping portions 204a,b for attaching SMA elements, such as SMA lines 212a,b, to the moving member 222. The SMA lines 212a,b are located between the moving member 222 and the static member 224. The static member 224 includes wire crimping portions 216a,b for attaching the SMA lines 212a,b to the static member 224. According to some embodiments, the static member 224 further includes one or more sliding supports (bearings) 210a-d. Any number of sliding supports 210a-d can be used. Some embodiments include three sliding supports 210a-d. The sliding support portions 210a-d may be made of a low-friction material to allow relative sliding between the moving member 222 and the sliding member 224. In some embodiments, the sliding support portions 210a-d are ball bearing portions, which are characterized by being formed on the static member 224 to accommodate the ball bearing portion.

[0067] In various embodiments, either the moving member wire crimping portions 204a,b and the static member wire crimping portions 216a,b can be offset from the corresponding moving member 222 and static member 224 to position the SMA wires 212a,b at different heights between the static member 224 and the moving member 222, thereby preventing the SMA wires 212a,b from contacting each other. In another embodiment, a centering spring is used to resist the tension of the SMA wires 212a,b and is configured to hold the moving member 222 downward on the sliding support portions 210a-d. Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 The diagram shows a perspective view of the optical image stabilization suspension assembly. When the SMA lines 212a,b are activated using techniques known in the art, movement of the moving member 222 occurs in the x- and y-axis directions. In some embodiments, different electrical currents are supplied to each SMA line 212a,b to cause the moving member 222 to move in the x- and y-axis directions.

[0068] Figure 4An exploded view of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly including a centering spring according to an embodiment is shown. The optical image stabilization suspension assembly is configured to have an image sensor 408 disposed on and attached to a moving member 422. The moving member 422 includes wire crimping portions 404a,b for attaching SMA lines 412a,b to the moving member 422. The SMA lines 412a,b are located between the moving member 422 and the static member 424. The static member 424 includes wire crimping portions 416a,b for attaching the SMA lines 412a,b to the static member 424. According to some embodiments, the static member 424 further includes one or more sliding support portions 410a-d as described herein. In various embodiments, either the moving member wire crimping portion 404a,b or the static member wire crimping portion 416a,b can be offset from the corresponding moving member 422 and static member 424 to place the SMA wire 412a,b at different heights between the static member 224 and the moving member 422, as described herein.

[0069] The moving member 422 includes centering springs 430a, b, such as a first centering spring 430a and a second centering spring 430b. Other embodiments include a moving member 422 having four centering springs. The static member 424 includes centering springs 432a, b, such as a first centering spring 432a and a second centering spring 432b. Other embodiments include a static member 424 having four centering springs. The centering springs 430a, b and 432a, b are used to resist the tension of the SMA lines 412a, b and are configured to hold the moving member 422 downward on the sliding support 410a-d. Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 The diagram shows a perspective view of the optical image stabilization suspension assembly. When the SMA lines 412a,b are activated using techniques known in the art, movement of the moving member 422 occurs in the x-axis and y-axis directions.

[0070] Figure 6A centering spring for an optical image stabilization suspension assembly according to an embodiment is shown. The centering spring 602 includes a second shaped spring arm 604a aligned with a second direction of movement of the member (e.g., movement along the y-axis). The centering spring 602 also includes a second shaped spring arm 604b aligned with the second direction of movement of the member (e.g., movement along the y-axis). According to various embodiments, the first shaped spring arm 604a and the second shaped spring arm 604b are 90-degree shaped spring arms such that their longitudinal axes form a 90-degree angle. The spring arms are integrally formed with and from one of the moving member or the static member. Forming the first shaped spring arm 604a and the second shaped spring arm 604b as 90-degree shaped spring arms helps to reduce the spring stiffness. The first shaped spring arm 604a and the second shaped spring arm 604b are coupled (coupled) to each other via unshaped corner segments 608. The unformed corner section 608 is configured to provide a gap for the SMA wire attached to the wire crimping portion. The centering spring 602 also includes a spring foot 606. The spring foot 606 is formed to attach to an adjacent member. For example, the spring foot 606 of the formed spring arm of the moving member is attached to the static member, and the spring foot 606 of the formed spring of the static member is attached to the moving member.

[0071] Figure 7An exploded view of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly including four SMA lines according to an embodiment is shown. The optical image stabilization suspension assembly is configured to have an image sensor 708 disposed on and attached to a moving member 722. The moving member 722 includes wire crimping portions 704a-d for attaching SMA lines 712a-d to the moving member 722. The SMA lines 712a-d are located between the moving member 722 and the static member 724. The static member 724 includes wire crimping portions 716a-d for attaching SMA lines 712a-d to the static member 724. The SMA lines 712a-d are configured to be cross-oriented but parallel to each other, and the wire crimping portions are located at each corner of each of the moving member 722 and the static member 724. Two parallel SMA lines travel from a first corner of the optical image stabilization suspension assembly to a second corner and attach to corresponding clamping portions, one end of which is attached to a static clamping portion and the other end to a movable clamping portion. Each of the pair of lines is configured to provide movement in opposite directions when activated. This eliminates the need to rely on a centering spring to pull the optical image stabilization suspension assembly back to the center position. The SMA lines 712a-d are configured to pull in opposite directions to each other. Deviation in tension causes movement, and if it is desired to move the optical image stabilization suspension assembly back to the center, the activation deviation of the SMA lines 712a-d is changed to the opposite of the other. According to some embodiments, the static member 724 also includes one or more sliding supports 710a-d as described herein. In various embodiments, any one of the moving member wire crimping portions 704a-d and the static member wire crimping portions 716a-d may be offset from the corresponding moving member 722 and static member 724 to place the SMA wires 712a-d at different heights between the static member 724 and the moving member 722, as described herein. Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 The diagram shows a perspective view of the optical image stabilization suspension assembly. When the SMA lines 712a-d are activated using techniques known in the art, movement of the moving member 722 occurs in the x-axis and y-axis directions.

[0072] Figure 9An exploded view of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly including loop-type SMA lines according to an embodiment is shown. The optical image stabilization suspension assembly is configured to have an image sensor 908 disposed on and attached to a moving member 922. The moving member 922 includes wire crimping portions 904a,b for attaching SMA lines 912a,b to the moving member 922. The SMA lines 912a,b are located between the moving member 922 and the static member 924. The static member 924 includes wire crimping portions 916a,b for attaching SMA lines 912a,b to the static member 924. According to some embodiments, the static member 924 further includes one or more sliding support portions 910a-d as described herein. According to various embodiments, each sliding support portion 910a-d is configured with a pulley feature. In some embodiments, the pulley feature is separate from one or more of the sliding support portions 910a-d. The pulley feature is configured to allow one or more SMA lines 912a,b, around which the pulley feature (also referred to herein as pin features) is wound or engaged, to slide freely. The pulley feature can be arranged in any configuration to produce movement of the moving plate 922. The pulley feature, separate from the sliding support portion, can be attached to the component using adhesives, welding, and other techniques known in the art.

[0073] In various embodiments, any one of the moving member wire crimping portions 904a,b and the static member wire crimping portions 916a,b can be offset from the corresponding moving member 922 and static member 924 to position the SMA wires 912a,b at different heights between the static member 924 and the moving member 922, as described herein. Other embodiments are configured with centering springs (e.g., the centering springs described herein). Various embodiments may also include four SMA wires and eight wire crimping portions (e.g., those described herein). Figure 10 It shows Figure 9 The diagram shows a perspective view of the optical image stabilization suspension assembly. When the SMA lines 912a,b are activated using techniques known in the art, movement of the moving member 922 occurs in the x-axis and y-axis directions.

[0074] Figure 11a and Figure 11b A loop-type SMA line configuration for an optical image stabilization suspension assembly according to some embodiments is shown. Figure 11aFour pulley features 1102a-d are shown, each having two SMA lines 1112a,b. A first end of the first SMA line 1112a is attached to a first wire crimp 1116a (also referred to as a static crimp) on a static member. The first SMA line 1112a is wound around the first pulley feature 1102a and the second pulley feature 1102b on the static member (each of the first pulley feature 1102a and the second pulley feature 1102b on the static member is also referred to as a static pulley feature). A second end of the first SMA line 1112a is attached to a second wire crimp 1116b (also referred to as a moving crimp) on a moving member. This configuration results in a pulling motion when the SMA line 1112a is activated using techniques known in the art, including applying voltage, current, or heat to the SMA line.

[0075] The first end of the second SMA wire 1112b is attached to the second wire crimp portion 1116c (also referred to as the static crimp portion) on the static member. The second SMA wire 1112b is wound around the third pulley feature 1102c (also referred to as the static pulley feature) on the static member and the fourth pulley feature 1102d (also referred to as the moving pulley feature) on the moving member. The second end of the second SMA wire 1112b is attached to the second wire crimp portion 1116d (also referred to as the moving crimp portion) on the moving member. This configuration results in a pushing motion when the SMA wire 1112b is activated using techniques such as those known in the art (including applying voltage, current, or heat to the SMA wire).

[0076] Figure 11b Two pulley features 1104a,b are shown, each having two SMA lines 1114a,b. A first end of the first SMA line 1114a is attached to a first wire crimp 1118a (also referred to as a static crimp) on a static member. The first SMA line 1114a is wound around the first pulley feature 1104a (also referred to as a static pulley feature) on the static member. A second end of the first SMA line 1114a is attached to a second wire crimp 1118b (also referred to as a moving crimp) on a moving member. This configuration results in a pushing motion when the SMA line 1114a is activated using techniques known in the art, including applying voltage, current, or heat to the SMA line.

[0077] The first end of the second SMA wire 1114b is attached to the second wire crimp portion 1118c (also referred to as the static crimp portion) on the static member. The second SMA wire 1114b is wound around the second pulley feature 1104b (also referred to as the moving pulley feature) on the moving member. The second end of the second SMA wire 1114b is attached to the second wire crimp portion 1118d (also referred to as the moving crimp portion) on the moving member. This configuration results in a pulling motion when the SMA wire 1114b is activated using techniques such as those known in the art (including applying voltage, current, or heat to the SMA wire).

[0078] Figure 11a and Figure 11b One or more of the SMA lines and pulley features shown can be used in an optical image stabilization suspension assembly according to some embodiments to move a moving member in directions along the longitudinal and lateral axes (e.g., in the x-axis and y-axis directions). Thus, an image sensor mounted to the moving member can be moved to counteract any external forces that cause movement of the camera system including the optical image stabilization suspension assembly.

[0079] Figure 12 A cross-section of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly according to an embodiment is shown. The optical image stabilization suspension assembly is configured to have an image sensor disposed on and attached to a movable member 1222. The movable member 1222 includes wire crimping portions 1204a,b for attaching SMA lines 1212a,b to the movable member 1222. The SMA lines 1212a,b are located between the movable member 1222 and the static member 1224. The static member 1224 includes wire crimping portions 1216a,b for attaching the SMA lines 1212a,b to the static member 1224. According to some embodiments, the static member 1224 further includes one or more sliding support portions 1210 as described herein. Any number of sliding support portions 1210 and any configuration can be used.

[0080] As described herein, one or more of the moving member wire crimping portions 1204a,b and the static member wire crimping portions 1216a,b can be offset from any one or both of the corresponding moving member 1222 and static member 1224 to place the SMA lines 1212a,b at different heights or z-axis offsets between the static member 1224 and the moving member 1222, so that the SMA lines 1212a,b do not contact each other. Figure 12As shown in the cross-section, the first wire crimp portion 1204a on the moving member 1222 is formed to be offset from the second wire crimp portion 1204b on the moving member 1222 in an axis perpendicular to the plane 1230 of the moving member 1222 (e.g., offset in the z-axis direction). The offset of the wire crimp portions 1204a,b results in a wire offset 1240 of the SMA lines 1212a,b. This offset can be used to prevent the SMA lines 1212a,b from interfering with each other during the activation of one or both of the SMA lines 1212a,b.

[0081] Figure 13 An optical image stabilization suspension assembly, implemented as a square line sensor assembly according to an embodiment, is shown. The optical image stabilization suspension assembly is configured to have an image sensor 1308 disposed on and attached to a moving member 1322. The moving member 1322 includes line crimping portions 1304a-d for attaching SMA lines 1312a-d to the moving member 1322. The SMA lines 1312a-d are located between the moving member 1322 and the static member 1324. The static member 1324 includes line crimping portions 1316a-d for attaching the SMA lines 1312a-d to the static member 1324. According to some embodiments, the static member 1324 further includes one or more sliding support portions 1310a-c. Any number of sliding support portions 1310a-c can be used. Some embodiments include three sliding support portions 1310a-c. The sliding support portions 1310a-c may be made of a low-friction material to better facilitate relative sliding between the moving member 1322 and the sliding member 1324. In some embodiments, the sliding support portions 1310a-c are ball bearing portions, which are characterized by being formed on the static member 1324 to accommodate the ball bearing portion.

[0082] According to various embodiments, the square line sensor assembly is configured to have four SMA lines 1312a-d mounted on the periphery of the square line sensor assembly. The four SMA lines 1312a-d pull against each other to return the moving member 1322 to a central position. Compared to an optical image stabilization suspension assembly with SMA lines between the moving member and the static member, mounting the SMA lines 1312a-d on the periphery allows the moving member 1322 to be closer to the static member 1324. Therefore, a thinner camera profile can be achieved. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the central portion 1342 of the moving member 1322 is configured to fit within a cavity 1344 (also referred to as a z-axis height space) within the static member 1324, for example, a recess or notch in the moving member. Some embodiments of the square line sensor assembly may include an optional base member 1340. In such embodiments, the central portion 1342 may be configured to fit within a cavity 1346 formed within the base member 1340.

[0083] According to some embodiments, the square line sensor assembly optionally includes spring arms 1348a,b. The spring arms 1348a,b are formed on the movable member 1322 and configured to facilitate the centering of the movable member 1322, and may also be configured to hold the movable member 1342 against the sliding supports 1310a-c. For example, the spring arms 1348a,b are configured to facilitate moving the movable member to a central position of the square line sensor assembly when the SMA lines 1312a-d are not activated. In one embodiment, the spring arms 1348a,b include an arched portion and are configured to extend between the movable member 1342 and the static member 1344.

[0084] Figure 14 It shows Figure 13 The diagram shows a perspective view of the optical image stabilization suspension assembly. When the SMA lines 1312a-d are activated using techniques known in the art, movement of the moving member 1322 occurs in the x- and y-axis directions. In some embodiments, different electrical currents are supplied to each pair of parallel SMA lines 212a-d to cause movement of the member 1322 in the x- and y-axis directions.

[0085] Figure 15An optical image stabilization suspension assembly, implemented as an arcuate sensor assembly according to an embodiment, is shown. The optical image stabilization suspension assembly is configured to have an image sensor 1508 disposed on and attached to a moving member 1522. The moving member 1522 includes pin features 1504a-d (also referred to herein as pulley features) located on the outer corners of the moving member 1522. The pin features 1504a-d are configured to wrap around at least one of four SMA lines 1512a-d. The SMA lines 1512a-d are located on the periphery of a static member 1524. The static member 1524 includes eight wire crimping portions 1516a-h for attaching four SMA lines 1512a-d between the wire crimping portions 1516a-h. According to some embodiments, the static member 1524 further includes one or more sliding support portions 1510a-d. Any number of sliding supports 1510a-d can be used. Some embodiments include three sliding supports 1510a-d. The sliding supports 1510a-d can be made of a low-friction material to better facilitate relative sliding between the moving member 1522 and the sliding member 1524. In some embodiments, the sliding supports 1510a-d are ball bearings, which are characterized by being formed on the static member 1524 to accommodate the ball bearings.

[0086] According to various embodiments, the bow-shaped sensor assembly is configured to have four SMA lines 1512a-d mounted on the periphery of the bow-shaped sensor assembly. The four SMA lines 1512a-d pull against each other to return the moving member 1522 to a central position. Compared to an optical image stabilization suspension assembly with SMA lines between the moving member and the static member, mounting the SMA lines 1512a-d on the periphery allows the moving member 1522 to be closer to the static member 1524. Therefore, a thinner camera profile can be achieved.

[0087] Figure 16 It shows Figure 15The diagram shows a perspective view of the bow-shaped sensor assembly. When the SMA lines 1512a-d are activated using techniques known in the art, the moving member 1522 moves in the x- and y-axis directions. According to some embodiments, when the SMA lines 1512a-d are activated and retracted, the SMA lines 1512a-d apply a normal force to the pin features around which they are wound. Forces of varying magnitudes, applied between the four SMA lines 1512a-d, acting on the corresponding pin features 1504a-d around which the SMA lines are wound, are used to move the moving member 1522 in the x- and y-axis directions. Wrapping the SMA lines 1512a-d around the corresponding pin features 1504a-d increases the length of the SMA lines 1512a-d, which increases the travel. Due to this increased travel, the moving plate will move an increased distance as the length of the SMA lines 1512a-d retracts when the lines are activated.

[0088] Figure 17 An optical image stabilization suspension assembly, implemented as a bimetallic actuator according to an embodiment, is shown. The optical image stabilization suspension assembly is configured to have an image sensor disposed on and attached to a moving member 1722. The moving member 1722 includes spring arms 1704a-d located on the outer side of the moving member 1722. According to various embodiments, the spring arms 1704a-d are coupled to the moving member 1722 via corresponding struts 1706a-d. SMA elements, such as SMA materials 1708a-d, are applied to each of the spring arms 1704a-d. The SMA materials 1708a-d are attached to the spring arms 1704a-d using adhesives, solders, laser welding, resistance welding, and other techniques including those known in the art. For some embodiments including spring arms 1704a-d formed of a conductive material such as stainless steel, the SMA material 1708a-d is disposed on an insulating layer formed on the spring arms 1704a-d using techniques including those known in the art. In other embodiments, the SMA material may be electrically and structurally attached to the spring arm only at its ends, with a central region of the SMA material free relative to the spring arm (i.e., not attached to the spring arm). This freedom in the central region allows the SMA material to straighten during actuation, when the spring arm bends into an arc. The spring arm may include circuitry for driving electrical current through the SMA material for actuation (also referred to as activation).

[0089] The SMA material 1708a-d can be applied to any side of the spring arms 1704a-d, that is, to the side of the spring arms 1704a-d facing the moving member 1722 or to the side of the spring arms 1704a-d facing away from the moving member 1722. In some embodiments, the SMA material 1708a-d is applied to both sides of the spring arms 1704a-d.

[0090] The SMA materials 1708a-d will cause the spring arms 1704a-d to bend when heated, thereby causing the moving member 1722 to move in the x- and y-axis directions. A controller can be used to apply coordinated power to the SMA materials on one or more of the spring arms 1704a-d to provide full motion of the moving member 1722 in the x- and y-axis directions. Figure 18 Exemplary movement of an SMA material is illustrated when it is heated using techniques known in the art and subjected to a transition from a cold state to a hot state and then back to a cold state. For example, the SMA material 1704a-d can be heated using an electric current.

[0091] The spring arms 1704a-d also include static legs 1710a-d. The static legs 1710a-d are configured to be attached to a static member such that when the SMA material 1704a-d is activated, the movable member 1722 moves relative to the static member.

[0092] Figure 19 An optical image stabilization suspension assembly, implemented as a bimetallic actuator according to an embodiment, is shown. Similar to the reference... Figure 17 The described bimetallic actuator includes four spring arms formed at 90 degrees to each other. This reduces its stiffness in the x- and y-axis directions, resulting in low resistance to movement in these directions, and provides high stiffness in the direction perpendicular to the axis (z-axis) of the moving member 1922. In various embodiments, the spring arms are formed as wide. This wide spring arm allows multiple traces to be formed at the top of the spring arm. In some embodiments, each spring arm includes eight traces and eight static pads located at the ends of each spring arm, for a total of 32 traces. However, any number of traces and pads can be formed on the spring arm traces. In some embodiments, the traces are wired towards the center of the moving member 1922 for connection to an image sensor. Figure 19 A spring arm formed from continuously formed 90-degree segments is shown. Other embodiments include a spring arm formed from multiple segments (90-degree formed segments separated by unformed segments along the working length of the spring arm). Figure 20 A bimetallic actuator in a flattened, pre-formed state according to an embodiment is shown. The bimetallic actuator is similar to a reference design. Figure 17 and Figure 19 The bimetallic actuator is described. The final form of the bimetallic actuator is formed from a flat state as shown in the description. Figure 17 and Figure 19 The bimetallic actuator shown is formed by the bimetallic actuator.

[0093] Figure 21 A semi-roller-shaped interposer layer for an optical image stabilization suspension assembly according to an embodiment is shown. According to some embodiments, the semi-roller-shaped interposer layer is integrated into a moving member as described herein. In other embodiments, the semi-roller-shaped interposer layer is a separate component from the moving member and is configured to be attached to the moving member. The semi-roller-shaped interposer layer includes one or more flexible circuits, each having multiple traces projecting from the side and bending 180 degrees. The 180-degree bend makes the moving member flexible to move along the x-axis and y-axis directions. In some embodiments, the 180-degree bend forms lines that can be at a 45-degree angle relative to the x and y axes. This provides low and uniform drag for movement along the x and y axes. The circuit traces on the flexible circuits are connected to pads around an image sensor located on top of the semi-roller-shaped interposer layer. The flexible circuits are configured to roll and twist during movement in the x and y-axis directions. The flexible circuits include pads connected to static circuitry beneath the semi-roller-shaped interposer layer. Furthermore, SMA lines and spring arms, such as those described herein, can be incorporated into the semi-roller-shaped interlayer. Figure 22 It shows that in the formation as Figure 21 The semi-roller-shaped intermediary layer shown is in its final state before being in a flat state.

[0094] Figure 23 An intermediate layer comprising a 45-degree bend is illustrated for an optical image stabilization suspension assembly according to an embodiment. The intermediate layer includes four flexible circuits (such as those described herein) projecting from one side. The flexible circuits are formed at 45-degree angles relative to the x-axis and y-axis in the plane of the moving member. In some embodiments, the flexible circuits have a reduced thickness in the bend region to further reduce stiffness along the x-axis and y-axis, thereby providing easier movement in the x-axis and y-axis directions. Figure 24 An intermediate layer for an optical image stabilization suspension assembly according to an embodiment is shown, comprising a 45-degree-angle-bent intermediate layer having flexible circuitry (as described herein) projecting from four sides of the intermediate layer. The intermediate layer may be configured to have flexible circuitry projecting from one to four sides of the intermediate layer. Figure 25 It shows that in the formation as Figure 24The final state of the intermediary layer shown is a flat intermediary layer with flexible circuitry protruding from all four sides of the intermediary layer.

[0095] Figure 26 The bottom side of a moving member including a heat dissipation feature is shown in an optical image stabilization suspension assembly according to an embodiment. The heat dissipation feature 2502 is located below the area where the image sensor 2508 is attached to the moving member 2522 and is configured to facilitate the removal of heat from the area surrounding the image sensor 2508. The heat dissipation feature 2502 can be formed by metal etching or stamping grooves of various designs. The heat dissipation feature may also include a separate high thermal conductivity material attached to the bottom side of the moving member using a thermally conductive adhesive or solder. A high thermal conductivity plating metal may be located on the top and / or bottom side of the moving member to which the image sensor is attached. In some embodiments, through-holes may be formed in the moving member, thus allowing the high thermal conductivity plating metal to more effectively conduct heat from the top side to the bottom heat dissipation feature. Figure 27 A cross-sectional view of the bottom of a moving member including heat dissipation features of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 28 A cross-sectional view of the top of a moving member of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly according to an embodiment is shown. This moving member includes a heat dissipation feature and a thermally conductive coating 2510. The thermally conductive coating 2510 may be gold, nickel, copper, or other materials that facilitate heat conduction from the image sensor 2508. According to some embodiments, in addition to the heat dissipation feature, the moving member 2522 also includes through-holes formed therein, thus allowing the thermally conductive coating 2510 to more effectively conduct heat from the top side to the bottom side heat dissipation feature 2502.

[0096] Figure 29 A movable member of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly according to an embodiment is shown, including a through-hole and a thermally conductive coating. A through-hole 2802 is formed in the base metal of the movable member 2822 of the optical image stabilization suspension assembly to create a thermal path away from the image sensor 2808. In some embodiments, the through-hole 2802 is formed below the location of the image sensor 2808. The thermally conductive coating 2810 is disposed on the top and bottom sides of the movable member 2822 and within the through-hole 2802 to form a thermal path away from the image sensor 2808.

[0097] Figure 30An optical image stabilization suspension assembly including one or more Hall sensors is illustrated according to an embodiment. The optical image stabilization suspension assembly includes a moving member 2922 and a static member 2924 configured to move an image sensor 2908 using techniques including those described herein. The optical image stabilization suspension assembly also includes one or more Hall sensors 2904 disposed on the moving member 2922. One or more magnets 2906 are disposed on the static member 2924 adjacent to the respective Hall sensor 2904. In some embodiments, the Hall sensors 2904 are located on the moving member 2922 near a magnet used in an autofocus assembly. Other embodiments include one or more Hall sensors attached to the static member 2924 and one or more magnets attached to the moving member 2922. The position of the moving member 2922 relative to the static member 2924 is determined by sensing changes in the magnetic field strength generated by the one or more magnets 2906 using the one or more Hall sensors 2904 with techniques including those known in the art.

[0098] Figure 31 An exploded view of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly according to an embodiment is shown, including one or more capacitive probes as motion sensors. The optical image stabilization suspension assembly includes a moving member 3022 and a static member 3024 configured to move an image sensor 3008 using techniques including those described herein. The optical image stabilization suspension assembly also includes one or more capacitive probes. Each capacitive probe has a first portion 3004 formed on the moving member 3022 and a second portion 3006 formed on the static member 3024. The first portion 3004 and the second portion 3006 of the capacitive probe are formed of a conductive material such as copper plating or gold plating. The first portion 3004 and the second portion 3006 can be circular, rectangular, or triangular. These shapes can be designed to increase the amount of capacitance change observed when the moving member 3022 moves in one direction rather than another. Thus, one capacitive probe can be designed to sense motion only along the x-axis, while another capacitive probe can sense motion along the y-axis. Motion is determined by producing a change in the overlapping area between the first portion 3004 and the second portion 3006. For example, an increase in capacitance means that the moving member 3022 moves relative to the static member 3024 in one direction. A decrease in capacitance (e.g.) Figure 32 (As shown) This means that the moving member 3022 moves in the opposite direction to the static member 3024. Figure 33 As shown, when the overlapping areas of the first portion 3004 and the second portion 3006 are the same for each capacitor probe, the approximately equal capacitance indicates the nominal or center position of the optical image stabilization suspension assembly.

[0099] According to an embodiment, flexible circuitry or connectors are used to connect electrical leads or traces to the first portion 3004 and the second portion 3006 of the capacitance probe. The distance between the moving member 3022 and the static member 3024 can be adjusted to achieve a desired nominal capacitance value. Reducing the distance between the two plates of the capacitance probe will provide higher capacitance. This distance remains constant as the moving member 3022 moves in the x-axis and y-axis directions.

[0100] Figure 34 An optical image stabilization suspension assembly, including strain gauges as motion sensors, is illustrated according to an embodiment. The optical image stabilization suspension assembly includes a moving member 3322 comprising a spring arm according to an embodiment described herein, and is configured to move an image sensor using techniques including those described herein. The optical image stabilization suspension assembly includes one or more strain gauge sensors 3304 attached to one or more of the spring arm. In some embodiments, the strain gauge sensors 3304 are attached to high-stress regions of the spring arm. When the moving member 3322 moves, the spring arm will have strain, which can be measured by strain gauges attached to or constructed on top of it. By reading various strain values ​​from multiple strain gauges, the full x / y position can be determined, for example, using a controller with an algorithm. This strain gauge sensor 3322 includes sensors similar to those described in U.S. Patent 8,941,951 to Bennin et al. and U.S. Patent 5,862,015 to Evans et al., as well as sensors manufactured using processes described in U.S. Patent 8,941,951 to Bennin et al. and U.S. Patent 5,862,015 to Evans et al.

[0101] Another implementation of the motion sensor includes a feedback position sensor using a lens reference with an image control tracking algorithm. According to some embodiments, the lens is static in the x- and y-axis directions. A mark or reference is formed on one of the lenses in the camera system, which can be observed by the image sensor. For example, the reference may be located on the far edge of the lens, and therefore on the far edge of the image circle on the image sensor, within an image region cropped from a stored image. Another example includes having a reference on the structure of the camera system, rather than on the lens, located within the sensing range of the image sensor. The camera's controller is configured to track the position of the one or more references to determine which pixel of the sensor it is using. The position of the one or more references is fed back to the optical image stabilization suspension assembly via the controller to move the assembly for position correction.

[0102] Figure 35An exploded view of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly implemented as a bimetallic actuator according to an embodiment is shown. This bimetallic actuator is an integrated SMA bicrystalline X / Y actuator with a sensor displacement trace serving as a motion sensor. Figure 35 As shown, the integrated SMA bicrystalline X / Y actuator 3504 includes two SMA actuators 3502 at each corner. The integrated SMA bicrystalline X / Y actuator 3504 is configured to rest on one or more sliding supports 3510 on a base member 3524. Any number of sliding supports 3510 can be used. Some embodiments include three sliding supports 3510. The sliding supports 3510 may be made of a low-friction material to better facilitate relative sliding between the integrated SMA bicrystalline X / Y actuator 3504 and the base member 3524. In some embodiments, the sliding supports 3510 are ball supports, which are characterized by being formed on the base member 224 to accommodate the ball supports. Figure 36 It shows Figure 35 The diagram shown is a perspective view of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly implemented with a bimetallic actuator.

[0103] Figure 37 The diagram illustrates a bimetallic actuator according to an embodiment, comprising a bicrystalline actuator 3504 located on an inner guide rail, a flexible trace wiring 3506 located on an outer guide rail, and a segment of a motion sensor, such as the motion sensor described herein. The trace wiring 3506 is configured to transmit electrical signals to components including an activation signal sent to the bicrystalline actuator 3504. A pair of bicrystalline actuators 3504 at each corner of the integrated SMA bicrystalline X / Y actuator 3504 are formed using an SMA material, which, when activated using the techniques described herein, produces a... Figure 38 The movable part 3602 is shown. Figure 38 A top view of a bimetallic actuator according to an embodiment is shown, the bimetallic actuator including a movable portion 3602 and a fixed portion 3604. The fixed portion is attached to the base member 3524. The fixed portion 3604 is attached to the base member 3524 by techniques including, but not limited to, adhesives and solders. Therefore, the movable portion 3602 is configured to move relative to the fixed portion 3604 and the base member 3524 in the x-axis and y-axis directions. Furthermore, a motion sensor, such as the motion sensor described herein, is also integrated into the integrated SMA bicrystalline X / Y actuator 3504. Figure 39 A layout pattern for forming the integrated SMA bicrystalline X / Y actuator using etching and deposition techniques including those known in the art is shown.

[0104] Figure 40An exploded view of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly implemented according to an embodiment, comprising an integrated SMA actuator assembly. The integrated SMA actuator assembly includes wire crimping portions, traces, and sensors integrated into the SMA actuator member 4022 using the techniques described herein. The optical image stabilization suspension assembly is configured to have an image sensor disposed on and attached to the SMA actuator member 4022. The SMA actuator member 4022 includes wire crimping portions 4004 for attaching four SMA lines 4012 to the SMA actuator member 4022 using techniques including those described herein. According to some embodiments, the wire crimping portions 4004 are configured as one or more crimping portion sub-assemblies, wherein each crimping portion sub-assembly includes a static crimping portion and a movable crimping portion. The SMA actuator member 4022 is configured to be attached to a base member 4024. According to some embodiments, the base member 4024 further includes one or more sliding support portions 4010 as described herein. Any number of sliding supports 4010 and any configuration can be used.

[0105] Figure 41 As shown Figure 40 The diagram shown is a perspective view of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly that integrates an SMA actuator component. The SMA actuator component 4022 includes trace termination pads located on opposite sides of the SMA actuator component 4022, the trace termination pads being used to provide electrical signals through traces on the component. Figure 42 A perspective view of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly, implemented according to an embodiment, is shown. The SMA actuator includes a trace guide 4220 formed on a spring arm configured to center the SMA actuator using techniques including those described herein. In some embodiments, the trace guide 4220 includes 16 tracks located on each of two spring arms. Figure 43 A side view of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly, implemented according to an embodiment, is shown. According to some embodiments, the trace guide 4220 is formed at a 90-degree angle to reduce stiffness in the x-axis and y-axis directions. Figure 44A cross-section of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly, implemented according to an embodiment, as an integrated SMA actuator assembly is shown. The integrated SMA actuator includes a moving portion 4006 and a fixed portion 4008. The fixed portion 4008 is attached to the base member 4024. The fixed portion 4008 is attached to the base member 4024 by techniques including, but not limited to, adhesives and solders. Therefore, the moving portion 4006 is configured to move relative to the fixed portion 4008 and the base member 4024 in the x-axis and y-axis directions. Furthermore, a motion sensor, such as the motion sensor described herein, is also integrated into the integrated actuator.

[0106] Figure 45 An optical image stabilization suspension assembly with integrated rigid interposer circuitry according to an embodiment is illustrated. The optical image stabilization suspension assembly is configured to have an image sensor 4508 disposed on and attached to a rigid interposer circuitry 4522 at a sensor mounting area. The rigid interposer circuitry 4522 is an electrical interface configured to transmit signals between the image sensor 4508 and a plurality of flexible circuits 4548a-d. The rigid interposer circuitry 4522 is configured to redistribute signals (e.g., input and output (I / O) signals and power signals) to the image sensor 4508. According to some embodiments, one or more flexible circuits are independent of the other flexible circuits 4548a-d and include contacts and / or signal traces different from those of the other flexible circuits 4548a-d. In some embodiments, four separate and independent flexible circuits 4548a-d are used with the rigid interposer circuitry 4522, wherein each flexible circuit 4548a-d includes a unique combination of contacts and / or signal traces.

[0107] Image sensor 4508 is mounted on the sensor mounting area of ​​rigid interposer circuit 4522. Rigid interposer circuit 4522 is attached to a plurality of flexible circuits 4548a-d. Flexible circuits 4548a-d are configured to have low stiffness to allow movement of rigid interposer circuit 4522. Flexible circuits 4548a-d are configured to be electrically coupled to a fixed printed circuit board (PCB). In some embodiments, the rigid interposer circuit 4522 and flexible circuits 4548a-d are electrically coupled via contact pads and solder using techniques including those known in the art. Rigid interposer circuit 4522 is configured to electrically couple image sensor 4508 to the fixed PCB via conductive traces.

[0108] Figure 46A flexible circuit 4548a according to some embodiments is shown. According to some embodiments, the flexible circuit 4548a is manufactured as a flat surface and subsequently shaped for attachment to a rigid interposer circuit 4522. This reduces manufacturing costs and can decrease transportation and handling costs. In some embodiments, the flexible circuit 4548a is configured to have low stiffness to allow movement of the rigid interposer circuit 4522 along the x-axis and y-axis.

[0109] Figure 47 Flexible circuits 4548a-d according to an embodiment are shown, which are aligned along path 60 to attach to rigid interposer circuit 4522 to form a single sensor shifting circuit 4550. Figure 48 A sensor shifting circuit module 4800 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 49 A cross-sectional view of a sensor shifting circuit module 4800 is shown. According to some embodiments, the sensor shifting circuit module 4800 includes an outer housing 4820, an inner housing 4840, and an image sensor 4508 mounted on a rigid interposer circuit 5022. The rigid interposer circuit 5022 includes one or more circuits 4810 disposed on its surface. The image sensor 4508 can be electrically coupled to one or more circuits 4810 using gold ball wire bonding 4801 or other known wire bonding techniques. The one or more circuits 4810 disposed on the same surface as the image sensor 4508 enable the image sensor 4508 to be electrically coupled to flexible circuits 5048a-d via one or more circuits 4810 on the side of the rigid interposer circuit 5022 where the image sensor 4508 is mounted. This eliminates the need for blind vias, which require additional manufacturing steps and can be difficult to inspect to ensure proper connection. According to some embodiments, one or more flexible circuits are independent of the other flexible circuits 5048a-d and include circuitry, contacts, and / or signal traces different from the other flexible circuits 5048a-d. In some embodiments, four separate and independent flexible circuits 5048a-d are used with a rigid interposer circuit 4522, wherein each flexible circuit 5048a-d includes a unique combination of one or more circuitry, contacts, and / or signal traces.

[0110] In some embodiments, the image sensor can be stitched to circuit 4810 via gold wire to achieve high-speed signal integrity. The optical image stabilization suspension assembly is also configured to have overall flexibility in determining which connections will run directly from the flexible circuits 5048a-d to the image sensor, and which connections will run through the rigid interposer circuit 5022 to the image sensor. In alternative embodiments, the optical image stabilization suspension assembly may not include the rigid interposer circuit 5022. For example, a universal substrate can be used to provide rigidity below the image sensor without providing circuitry. The optical image stabilization suspension assembly can make electrical connections for each sensor independently on the flexible circuits 5048a-d. According to some embodiments, the connections can be gold wire stitching from the flexible circuits 5048a-d to the image sensor.

[0111] Figure 50 A bonding tail region of a flexible circuit 5048a according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The sensor shifting circuit module is configured to move the image sensor in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the image sensor (e.g., in the directions of the x and y axes opposite to the z-axis of the sensor shifting circuit module). The flexible circuit 5048a may include a bonding tail region 4549 configured to be attached to a PCB. The flexible circuit 5048a may also include an attachment feature 4550 adjacent to the bonding tail region 5049 and configured to reduce stress on the sensor shifting circuit due to movement along the z-axis.

[0112] In some embodiments, the rigid interposer circuit 5022 includes one or more circuits 4810 configured to mount one or more components thereon. These components may be electrically coupled only to the image sensor 4508. In some embodiments, the components are electrically coupled to the image sensor and formed as part of the one or more flexible circuits 5048a-d and 5048a-d. These components include, but are not limited to, power converters, regulators, capacitors, resistors, inductors, integrated circuits, and other similar types of components. Because these components can be mounted closer to the image sensor 4508, performance can be improved compared to components mounted on a circuit board at the other end of the flexible circuit 5048a. The improved sensor shifting circuit module 4800 enables improved impedance control for high-speed channels / signals due to improved impedance control and a shorter signal / channel length. This improves the integrity of high-speed signals. Furthermore, the configuration of the sensor shifting circuit module 4800 eliminates the need for any blind vias, thereby improving reliability and manufacturing economics. Specifically, the absence of blind vias results in lower production costs and higher manufacturing yields.

[0113] The sensor shifting circuit module 4800 also separates the power traces and signal traces. The components are located on the rigid interposer circuit 5022, which eliminates the requirement for all power traces to travel through the flexible circuit. In some embodiments, since fewer power traces are needed on the flexible circuit, a separate flexible circuit can be used for the signal trace, and other flexible circuits can be used for the power trace. In another embodiment, the power component can be mounted on the rigid interposer circuit close to the image sensor. Therefore, it is not necessary to configure the flexible circuit to receive power. Thus, the flexible circuit can be primarily used for the signal trace.

[0114] Although the invention has been described with reference to various embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, although described as a dual-camera assembly, other embodiments of the invention are configured for three or more cameras. Features of the different embodiments shown may be combined with each other in other embodiments. Therefore, the specification and drawings should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

Claims

1. A suspension assembly, comprising: Rigid interposer circuit; The sensor mounting area located on the rigid interposer layer circuit; as well as A plurality of flexible circuits are configured to electrically couple the rigid interposer circuit to a printed circuit board, wherein each of the plurality of flexible circuits includes one or more bends, the one or more bends including a first bend connecting each of the plurality of flexible circuits to the rigid interposer circuit and the printed circuit board, the first bend providing reduced stiffness to allow the rigid interposer circuit to move relative to the printed circuit board, and wherein each of the plurality of flexible circuits includes a bond tail region configured to attach to the printed circuit board and an attachment feature adjacent to the bond tail region to reduce stress generated on the suspension assembly due to movement in the z-axis direction.

2. The suspension assembly of claim 1, comprising an image sensor mounted to the rigid interposer circuit at the sensor mounting area.

3. The suspension assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The image sensor is attached to the rigid interposer circuit using gold ball wire bonding.

4. The suspension assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The sensor mounting area is electrically coupled to one or more flexible circuits via one or more circuits arranged on the rigid interposer circuit.

5. The suspension assembly according to claim 4, wherein, The one or more flexible circuits are configured to mount components on the rigid interposer circuit.

6. The suspension assembly according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the plurality of flexible circuits is used to receive a signal trace.

7. The suspension assembly according to claim 6, wherein, At least one of the plurality of flexible circuits that does not receive signal traces receives power signals.

8. The suspension assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The rigid interposer circuit is configured to receive at least one power component.

9. The suspension assembly according to claim 1, comprising an inner housing and an outer housing.

10. A sensor shifting circuit module, comprising: Rigid interposer circuit; A plurality of flexible circuits are configured to be attached to the rigid interposer circuit and movable relative to the rigid interposer circuit about the x-axis and y-axis, wherein each of the plurality of flexible circuits includes one or more bends, the one or more bends including a first bend connecting each of the plurality of flexible circuits to the rigid interposer circuit and a printed circuit board, the first bend providing reduced stiffness to allow the rigid interposer circuit to move relative to the printed circuit board, and wherein each of the plurality of flexible circuits includes a bond tail region configured to be attached to the printed circuit board and an attachment feature adjacent to the bond tail region to reduce stress generated on the sensor displacement circuit module due to movement in the z-axis direction; and The sensor mounting area is located on the rigid interposer circuit.

11. The sensor shifting circuit module of claim 10, comprising an image sensor mounted to the rigid interposer circuit at the sensor mounting area.

12. The sensor shifting circuit module according to claim 11, wherein, The image sensor is attached to the rigid interposer circuit using wire bonding technology.

13. The sensor shifting circuit module according to claim 10, wherein, The sensor mounting area is located within the z-height space defined by the rigid interposer circuit.

14. The sensor shifting circuit module of claim 10, comprising a lens and an autofocusing mechanism fixedly mounted relative to the rigid interposer circuit about the x-axis and the y-axis.

15. The sensor shifting circuit module according to claim 10, wherein, At least one of the plurality of flexible circuits is used to receive a signal trace.

16. The sensor shifting circuit module according to claim 15, wherein, At least one of the plurality of flexible circuits that does not receive signal traces receives power signals.

17. The sensor shifting circuit module according to claim 10, wherein, The rigid interposer circuit is configured to receive at least one power component.

18. The sensor shifting circuit module according to claim 10, comprising an inner housing and an outer housing.

Images