Two-axis tilt module additional structures and methods

Abstract

The present embodiments relate to tilt modules and related methods that can use a fulcrum rotation point for multiple axis. Further, silicone can be used as a return spring and a material to hold the pieces of the tilt module from shifting in unwanted directions (e.g., side to side). Silicone can be used on the module and can be stiff laterally while also being pliable rotationally.

Description

TWO-AXIS TILT MODULE ADDITIONAL STRUCTURES AND METHODSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 656,241 filed on lune 5, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] The present embodiments relate generally to actuators, and more particularly, to an actuator with multiple axes of rotation via rotation points and silicone disposed in the rotation points.BACKGROUND

[0003] A tilt module, such as an actuator, can be used in a variety of contexts. For example, an actuator can move a lens along multiple axes to focus the lens as part of an autofocus system or optical image stabilization system. In many cases, it can be desirable to move a moving component in a desired direction (e.g., x / y directions) to increase efficiency in implementing such systems.

[0004] However, many actuator designs may cause movement of the moving component in directions other than the desired direction (e.g., pitch, yaw, roll). Such adverse motions can cause stress in the tilt modules, such as these forces adding unwanted torque and out of plane bending forces on the tilt module.SUMMARY

[0005] The present embodiments relate to tilt modules and related methods that can use a fulcrum rotation point for multiple axis. Further, silicone can be used as a return spring and a material to hold the pieces of the tilt module from shifting in unwanted directions (e g., side to side). Silicone can be used on the module and can be stiff laterally while also being pliable rotationally.

[0006] In a first example embodiment, a tilt module is provided. The tilt module includes a static base and a moving carriage connected to the static base. A first rotation point between the static base and the moving carriage can provide a first axis of rotation of the moving carriage, and a second rotation point between the static base and the moving carriage can provide a second axis of rotation of the moving carriage.

[0007] In some instances, any of the first rotation point and the second rotation point comprise a triangular structure allowing rotation of the moving carriage about a point of each triangular structure.

[0008] In some instances, the tilt module can also include silicone disposed between the static base and the second rotation point of the moving carriage, wherein the silicone provides a spring return force to the moving carriage.

[0009] In some instances, the tilt module can also include at least one dowel disposed between the static base and the moving carriage, wherein the dowel comprises any of the first rotation point and / or the second rotation point.

[0010] In some instances, four dowels are disposed at different positions around the moving carriage, and wherein silicone is disposed between the dowel, the static base, and the moving carriage.

[0011] In some instances, a surface of the moving carriage is roughened at the second rotation point to allow for silicone to attach to the moving carriage.

[0012] In some instances, the tilt module can also include a top spring return disposed on top of the moving carriage, wherein ends of the spring return connect to posts of the static base.

[0013] In some instances, the tilt module can also include a set of spring-loaded pins disposed above the moving carriage and connected to the static base.

[0014] In some instances, the tilt module can also include a set of stilts disposed between the static base to the moving carriage.

[0015] In some instances, the tilt module can also include a magnet disposed below the moving carriage that is configured to attract to a magnetic piece on the moving carriage and provide a return spring force.

[0016] In some instances, the tilt module can also include a set of magnets embedded in posts on one or more sides of the static base to connect to attract to part of the moving carriage and provide a return spring force to the moving carriage.

[0017] In some instances, the tilt module can also include a ball and socket joint disposed between the static base and the moving carriage.

[0018] In some instances, the tilt module can also include a lens element disposed on the moving carriage.

[0019] In some instances, the tilt module can also include a set of torsion bars between the moving carriage and the lens element.

[0020] In some instances, the tilt module can also include a ball and socket joint disposed on a bottom of the lens element.

[0021] In some instances, the tilt module can also include a spring extending between the lens element and the static base.

[0022] In some instances, the tilt module can also include a set of shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators disposed around the moving carriage, wherein the set of SMA actuators are configured to actuate the moving carriage in any of the first axis of rotation or the second axis of rotation.

[0023] In another example embodiment, a device is provided. The device can include a static base and a moving carriage connected to the static base. A first rotation point between the static base and the moving carriage can provide a first axis of rotation of the moving carriage. A second rotation point between the static base and the moving carriage can provide a second axis of rotation of the moving carriage. Any of the first rotation point and the second rotation point can comprise a triangular structure allowing rotation of the moving carriage about a point of each triangular structure. Silicone can be disposed between the static base and the second rotation point of the moving carriage to provide a spring return force to the moving carriage.

[0024] In another example embodiment, a method for manufacturing a device is provided. The method can include disposing a moving carriage to a static base, wherein a first rotation point between the static base and the moving carriage provides a first axis of rotation of the moving carriage, and a second rotation point between the static base and the moving carriage provides a second axis of rotation of the moving carriage, wherein any of the first rotation point and the second rotation point comprise a triangular structure allowing rotation of the moving carriage about a point of each triangular structure.

[0025] The method can also include disposing silicone is disposed between the static base and the second rotation point of the moving carriage to provide a spring return force to the moving carriage. In some instances, the method can also include disposing any of a dowel, a top springreturn, a set of spring-loaded pins, a set of stilts, a magnet, a ball and socket joint, a lens element, a set of torsion bars, and a spring to any of the moving carriage and the static base.

[0026] Other features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description that follows.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention are illustrated, by way of example and not limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which:

[0028] FIGS. 1A-1C are illustrations of an example tilt module design according to some embodiments.

[0029] FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate example tilt modules with dowels according to some embodiments.

[0030] FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate example tilt modules with dowels and silicone according to some embodiments.

[0031] FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate views of a tilt module with silicone according to some embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 5 illustrates an example tilt module with a spring according to some embodiments.

[0033] FIG. 6 illustrates example axes of rotation of a tilt module according to some embodiments.

[0034] FIG. 7 illustrates an example tilt module with pins according to some embodiments.

[0035] FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate example views of a tilt module with stilts according to some embodiments.

[0036] FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate example views of a tilt module with a magnet according to some embodiments.

[0037] FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate example views of a tilt module with steel molded into the base according to some embodiments.

[0038] FIGS. 11A-11C illustrate example views of a tilt module with a ball and socket joint according to some embodiments.

[0039] FIGS. 12A-12B illustrate views of a tilt module with torsion bars according to some embodiments.

[0040] FIGS. 13A-13C illustrate views of a tilt module with a ball and socket joint according to some embodiments.

[0041] FIGS. 14A-14B illustrate views of a tilt module with a helical compression spring according to some embodiments.

[0042] FIG. 15 illustrates an example prior art SMA bimorph actuator according to an embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The present embodiments relate to tilt modules and related methods that can use a fulcrum rotation point for multiple axis. Further, silicone can be used as a return spring and a material to hold the pieces of the tilt module from shifting in unwanted directions (e.g., side to side). Silicone can be used on the module and can be stiff laterally while also being pliable rotationally.

[0044] FIG. 1A is a first example tilt module design. As shown in FIG. 1A, the design 100A can include a base 102 and cross axis springs 104A-B attached between a housing 108 and amoving carriage 106. FIG. IB is a second example tilt module 100B. As shown in FIG. IB, the module 100B can include a triangular feature 110 of the housing 108 for the moving carriage 106 to rotate. Further, the moving carriage can include a silicone 112 for spring return and physical holding of pieces together.

[0045] The silicone can be stiff laterally but has good compliancy in rotation. Many silicones are available with differing stiffnesses to tune into what is needed for a design. The surface finish of the plastic can be changes to silicone interface for higher adhesion forces of the silicone. FIG. 1C is an illustration of an example tilt module 100C.

[0046] In some instances, a 1 / 64” dowel can be inserted as the axis for rotation. Silicone can be added either on the shaft or between components for spring return. This can be integral to each component and molded in dowel.

[0047] FIG. 2A-2B illustrate example tilt modules 200A-B with dowels. As shown in FIGS.2A-2B, dowels 202A-D can be disposed at different sides of the moving carriage to allow multiple tilt angles.

[0048] FIG. 3A-3B illustrate example tilt modules 300A-B with dowels and silicone. As shown in FIG. 3B, silicone 302 can be disposed between the moving carriage 304 and housing 306, and / or adjacent to the dowels (e.g., 308).

[0049] Changing the properties of the silicone can allow for different performance characteristics. A stiffer material (shore A) can allow for faster return to center but can take more force to move the actuator. Further, a softer material can allow for easier actuation but return to center may be slower, such as a shore 000 material.

[0050] FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate views of a tilt module 400A-D with silicone. For instance, as shown in FIG. 4A, silicone 402 can be disposed between a moving carriage 404 and a base 406.In some instances, the surface finish can be roughened to allow for the silicone to attach to the plastics of the tilt module.

[0051] Further, a scale for a surface finish can be applied. Roughening surface from 12 to 45 as shown in FIG. 4C, can allow for much more surface area to allow the silicone to attach very well to the plastic.

[0052] In some instances, a spring can be added as the return to center force. This can include a single spring with rotation axis same as the rotational axis of an actuator. An example variation of the design can include multiple springs for each axis of rotation. The spring can be glued down to the plastic and other options are heat stake, glue, welded to an over-molded metal within each plastic piece.

[0053] FIG. 5 illustrates an example tilt module with a spring. As shown in FIG. 5, the tilt module 500 can include a spring 502 disposed adjacent to the moving carriage and the base.

[0054] In some instances, the axis of rotations can be moved to 45 degree comer locations or anywhere else within a 360 degree circle. The two rotation points for each component can be in line with each other. This can apply to any of the physical rotation point concepts such as triangle, axial, etc. FIG. 6 illustrates example axes of rotation 602 of a tilt module 600. As shown in FIG. 6, the axis of rotation 602 can be directed at corners of the tilt module 600, as shown by arrows.

[0055] In some instances, pogo pins can be added as a spring return. The pogo pins can be used in a larger module, such as an actuator. The pins can include pogo pins on top of the module, pogo pins on bottom of the module, and / or pogo pins on each the top and bottom of the module. The pins can be used on various rotation designs.

[0056] FIG. 7 illustrates an example tilt module with pins. As shown in FIG. 7, a number of pogo pins 702A-D can be disposed on the tilt module 700.

[0057] In some instances, stilts can be used for a cantilever spring return to center. The stilts can be inserted into the plastic (both sides) or on top of the plastic (one side) or on top of both. Solder can be used (or an adhesive) to attach the stilt to an internal over-molded metal pieces inside of the pieces of the tilt module. The stilts can be used with different pivot options (e.g., triangular, axial, etc.).

[0058] FIG. 8A-8B illustrate example views of a tilt module with stilts. As shown in FIGS. 8A-8B, the tilt module 800A-B can include one or more stilts 802A-B disposed between the moving carriage and a housing of the tilt module.

[0059] In some instances, a magnet can be used to keep a lens carriage flat so during actuation of the actuator, return force is generated. Instead of magnetic steel, another magnet can be used, where the polarity is attracting or repelling, and the same return forces can be generated. The location of magnets can be on sides of the actuator so there can be extra magnets for return on each axis of motion. In some instances, any magnetic steel option can be imbedded (or over molded) with the plastic pieces of the tilt module.

[0060] FIGS. 9A-B illustrate example views of a tilt module with a magnet. As shown in FIGS. 9A-9B, the tilt modules 900A-B can include an underside magnet 902 attracting to a magnetic steel piece 904.

[0061] In some instances, the tilt module can include pieces of magnetic steel either embedded (over molded) into the plastic base or plastic tower which has a piece of metal welded or glued to it. The magnets used for Hall sensor feedback can be used also to return to center force. In some embodiments, separate magnets can be used to return to center force. The metal piece can besmaller than the magnet size so it can be trying to center the piece of steel to the center of the magnet. This can be used with any of the physical pivot point options (axial, triangular, etc.)

[0062] FIGS. 10A-C illustrate example views of a tilt module with steel molded into the base. As shown in FIGS. 10A-C, the tilt module 1000A-C can include one or more pieces of a metal (steel) 1002 embedded within a plastic base material.

[0063] In some instances, a ball and socket joint can be disposed elements of the tilt module as described herein. An option can include using a pogo pin as the ball. The pogo pin can depress due to spring inside of it allowing pin to depress and for assembly push the components together and when the pogo pin gets to the hole in the component, which can spring outwards and locking the components to each other. FIGS. 11 A-C illustrate example views of a tilt module 1100A-C with a ball and socket joint 1102.

[0064] In some instances, a torsion bar can be inserted for multiple locations along the tilt module. The torsion bar(s) can become x-y hold locations. For instance, when an actuator actuates tilting motion, the bar can become in torsion and return the actuator to center. The torsion bar can be glued in, soldered in (with embedded over molded metal in plastic pieces), friction fit held, heat staked, etc.

[0065] FIGS. 12A-B illustrate views of a tilt module with torsion bars. As shown in FIGS. 12A-B, the tilt module 1200A-B can include one or more torsion bars 1202A-B.

[0066] In some instances, a ball and socket can be disposed on the bottom of the lens carriage. The lens carriage can move in all directions (but z) and perform the tilting. Silicone, top spring, magnet return, stilts, etc., can be added to control twisting on the ball and returning to center. The ball can be greased for easier movement.

[0067] The ball placement can be at the center of the tilt motion, so no z changes are seen during motion. Coupler and cross axis springs can be removed in some tilt module designs. Different actuator types, such as a bimorph actuator, can be used, with two actuators on top on two actuators on the bottom. Variations can include four actuators on the top or bottom to control all movement directions. A bimorph actuator can include a fixed end, a free end, and a beam between the fixed end and free end. The bimorph actuator can also include a shape memory alloy (SMA) material disposed between the free end and the fixed end to actuate the free end upon receipt of a current at the SMA material. An example bimorph actuator is described in greater detail with respect to FIG. 15.

[0068] FIGS. 13A-C illustrate views of a tilt module with a ball and socket joint. As shown in FIGS. 13A-C, a ball and socket joint 1302 can be disposed from the base and contacting the moving carriage of the tilt module 1300A-C.

[0069] In some instances, a helical compression type spring can be attached to both the lens carriage and the base. This spring type can relate to a coil spring being secured on two free ends, with a middle of the length of the spring free to move in any direction. The apparatus can move in any direction, and the spring can return the apparatus to a center.

[0070] Posts can be added on both components which can give the xy location and follow up with glue to hold in the z direction and allow for rotation. This can allow the lens carriage to move in all directions for tilt and return to center. Bimorph actuators can be on all one side or split to two top actuators and two bottom actuators.

[0071] FIGS. 14A-B illustrate views of a tilt module with a helical compression type spring. As shown in FIGS. 14A-B, a helical compression type spring 1402 can be disposed from the base and contacting the moving carriage of the tilt module 1400A-B.

[0072] FIG. 15 illustrates an example SMA bimorph actuator 1 00 according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 15, in many cases, the actuator 1500 can include a base 1502 and a carriage 1504. In many instances, the base 1502 can be affixed to the carriage 1504 as described herein. The carriage 1504 can increase resiliency of the actuator 1500 by providing support for the base 1502.

[0073] The base 1502 can include a fixed end 1506 and a free end 1508. The fixed end 1506 can be fixed to the carriage 1504, while the free end 1508 can be detached from the carriage 1504. As described in greater detail below, the free end 1508 can move in a z-stroke direction (e.g., direction DI) responsive to providing an electrical current to SMA wires 1510a, 1510b.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 15, SMA wires 1510a, 1510b can extend from the fixed end 1506 to the free end 1508 of the base 1502. Further, a beam 1512 can be disposed below the SMA wires 1510a, 1510b and can connect the fixed end 1506 and free end 1508. The SMA wires 1510a, 1510b can connect to the base 1502 at each end via electrical contacts. For example, at a first end of each SMA wires 1510a, 1510b, the SMA wires 1510a, 1510b can connect to the fixed end 1506 at electrical contacts 1514a, 1514b. Further, at a second end (e.g., at the free end 1508), the SMA wires 1510a, 1510b can connect to the free end 1508 at electrical contacts 1518a, 1518b (e.g., via a welding or soldering process).

[0075] The base 1502 can consist of a material such as steel or stainless steel, for example. Further, electrical contacts 1514a-b, 1518a-b can include a material allowing for receiving a welding or soldering joint, such as a gold-plated stainless steel, for example. Further, at free end 1506, a dielectric 1516 can isolate the electrical contacts 1514a-b to prevent electrical current between the contacts. Dielectric 1516 can include insulative materials, such as a Polyimide, for example. In some embodiments, a dielectric can be disposed between SMA wires 1510a-1510band beam 1512 at the free end 1508 to electrically isolate the SMA wires 151 Oa-b from the beam1512.

[0076] In a first example embodiment, a tilt module is provided. The tilt module a static base and a moving carriage connected to the static base. A first rotation point between the static base and the moving carriage can provide a first axis of rotation of the moving carriage, and a second rotation point between the static base and the moving carriage can provide a second axis of rotation of the moving carriage.

[0077] In some instances, any of the first rotation point and the second rotation point comprise a triangular structure allowing rotation of the moving carriage about a point of each triangular structure.

[0078] In some instances, the tilt module can also include silicone disposed between the static base and the second rotation point of the moving carriage, wherein the silicone provides a spring return force to the moving carriage.

[0079] In some instances, the tilt module can also include at least one dowel disposed between the static base and the moving carriage, wherein the dowel comprises any of the first rotation point and / or the second rotation point.

[0080] In some instances, four dowels are disposed at different positions around the moving carriage, and wherein silicone is disposed between the dowel, the static base, and the moving carriage.

[0081] In some instances, a surface of the moving carriage is roughened at the second rotation point to allow for silicone to attach to the moving carriage.

[0082] In some instances, the tilt module can also include a top spring return disposed on top of the moving carriage, wherein ends of the spring return connect to posts of the static base.

[0083] In some instances, the tilt module can also include a set of spring-loaded pins disposed above the moving carriage and connected to the static base.

[0084] In some instances, the tilt module can also include a set of stilts disposed between the static base to the moving carriage.

[0085] In some instances, the tilt module can also include a magnet disposed below the moving carriage that is configured to attract to a magnetic piece on the moving carriage and provide a return spring force.

[0086] In some instances, the tilt module can also include a set of magnets embedded in posts on one or more sides of the static base to connect to attract to part of the moving carriage and provide a return spring force to the moving carriage.

[0087] In some instances, the tilt module can also include a ball and socket joint disposed between the static base and the moving carriage.

[0088] In some instances, the tilt module can also include a lens element disposed on the moving carriage.

[0089] In some instances, the tilt module can also include a set of torsion bars between the moving carriage and the lens element.

[0090] In some instances, the tilt module can also include a ball and socket joint disposed on a bottom of the lens element.

[0091] In some instances, the tilt module can also include a spring extending between the lens element and the static base.

[0092] In some instances, the tilt module can also include a set of shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators disposed around the moving carriage, wherein the set of SMA actuators are configured to actuate the moving carriage in any of the first axis of rotation or the second axis of rotation.

[0093] In another example embodiment, a device is provided. The device can include a static base and a moving carriage connected to the static base. A first rotation point between the static base and the moving carriage can provide a first axis of rotation of the moving carriage. A second rotation point between the static base and the moving carriage can provide a second axis of rotation of the moving carriage. Any of the first rotation point and the second rotation point can comprise a triangular structure allowing rotation of the moving carriage about a point of each triangular structure. Silicone can be disposed between the static base and the second rotation point of the moving carriage to provide a spring return force to the moving carriage.

[0094] In another example embodiment, a method for manufacturing a device is provided. The method can include disposing a moving carriage to a static base, wherein a first rotation point between the static base and the moving carriage provides a first axis of rotation of the moving carriage, and a second rotation point between the static base and the moving carriage provides a second axis of rotation of the moving carriage, wherein any of the first rotation point and the second rotation point comprise a triangular structure allowing rotation of the moving carriage about a point of each triangular structure.

[0095] The method can also include disposing silicone is disposed between the static base and the second rotation point of the moving carriage to provide a spring return force to the moving carriage. In some instances, the method can also include disposing any of a dowel, a top spring return, a set of spring-loaded pins, a set of stilts, a magnet, a ball and socket joint, a lens element, a set of torsion bars, and a spring to any of the moving carriage and the static base.

[0096] According to some embodiments, the processes described herein are used to form one or more of any of mechanical structures and electro-mechanical structures.

[0097] Although described in connection with these embodiments, those of skill in the art will recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A tilt module comprising: a static base; and a moving carriage connected to the static base, wherein a first rotation point between the static base and the moving carriage provides a first axis of rotation of the moving carriage, and a second rotation point between the static base and the moving carriage provides a second axis of rotation of the moving carriage.

2. The tilt module of claim 1, wherein any of the first rotation point and the second rotation point comprise a triangular structure allowing rotation of the moving carriage about a point of each triangular structure.

3. The tilt module of claim 1, further comprising silicone disposed between the static base and the second rotation point of the moving carriage, wherein the silicone provides a spring return force to the moving carriage.

4. The tilt module of claim 1, further comprising: at least one dowel disposed between the static base and the moving carriage, wherein the dowel comprises any of the first rotation point and / or the second rotation point.

5. The tilt module of claim 4, wherein four dowels are disposed at different positions around the moving carriage, and wherein silicone is disposed between the dowel, the static base, and the moving carriage.

6. The tilt module of claim 1, wherein a surface of the moving carriage is roughened at the second rotation point to allow for silicone to attach to the moving carriage.

7. The tilt module of claim 1, further comprising: a top spring return disposed on top of the moving carriage, wherein ends of the spring return connect to posts of the static base.

8. The tilt module of claim 1, further comprising: a set of spring-loaded pins disposed above the moving carriage and connected to the static base.

9. The tilt module of claim 1, further comprising: a set of stilts disposed between the static base to the moving carriage.

10. The tilt module of claim 1, further comprising: a magnet disposed below the moving carriage that is configured to attract to a magnetic piece on the moving carriage and provide a return spring force.

11. The tilt module of claim 1, further comprising:a set of magnets embedded in posts on one or more sides of the static base to connect to attract to part of the moving carriage and provide a return spring force to the moving carriage.

12. The tilt module of claim 1, further comprising: a ball and socket joint disposed between the static base and the moving carriage.

13. The tilt module of claim 1, further comprising: a lens element disposed on the moving carriage.

14. The tilt module of claim 13, further comprising: a set of torsion bars between the moving carriage and the lens element.

15. The tilt module of claim 13, further comprising: a ball and socket joint disposed on a bottom of the lens element.

16. The tilt module of claim 13, further comprising: a spring extending between the lens element and the static base.

17. The tilt module of claim 1, further comprising: a set of shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators disposed around the moving carriage, wherein the set of SMA actuators are configured to actuate the moving carriage in any of the first axis of rotation or the second axis of rotation.

18. A device comprising: a static base; and a moving carriage connected to the static base, wherein a first rotation point between the static base and the moving carriage provides a first axis of rotation of the moving carriage, and a second rotation point between the static base and the moving carriage provides a second axis of rotation of the moving carriage, wherein any of the first rotation point and the second rotation point comprise a triangular structure allowing rotation of the moving carriage about a point of each triangular structure, and wherein silicone is disposed between the static base and the second rotation point of the moving carriage to provide a spring return force to the moving carriage.

19. A method for manufacturing a device, the method comprising: disposing a moving carriage to a static base, wherein a first rotation point between the static base and the moving carriage provides a first axis of rotation of the moving carriage, and a second rotation point between the static base and the moving carriage provides a second axis of rotation of the moving carriage, wherein any of the first rotation point and the second rotation point comprise a triangular structure allowing rotation of the moving carriage about a point of each triangular structure; and disposing silicone is disposed between the static base and the second rotation point of the moving carriage to provide a spring return force to the moving carriage.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:disposing any of: a dowel, a top spring return, a set of spring-loaded pins, a set of stilts, a magnet, a ball and socket joint, a lens element, a set of torsion bars, and a spring to any of the moving carriage and the static base.

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