Camera Module Actuator Guide Unit Using High-Stiffness Polymer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera module actuator assemblies with ceramic ball bearings cause dents on surfaces, leading to noise and performance issues due to their strong but abrasive nature.
Innovation Solution
A camera module with an actuator assembly featuring a guide unit made from a polymer composition that includes an aromatic polymer matrix, providing a flexural modulus of 7,000 MPa or more and Rockwell surface hardness of 25 or more, which minimizes surface defects and offers low friction and antistatic properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If ceramic ball bearings are used in the actuator assembly, then the structural strength and guiding capability are improved, but surface dents and noise are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by transitioning from ceramic to polymer composition, specifically achieving a flexural modulus of 7,000 MPa or more and Rockwell surface hardness of 25 or more. This parameter change allows the guide unit to maintain structural strength while reducing surface dents and noise generation during lens module movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material technology by using a polymer composition with specific mechanical properties (flexural modulus ≥7,000 MPa, Rockwell hardness ≥25) as the guide unit material. This composite approach combines the benefits of high strength with low friction and antistatic properties, eliminating the harmful effects of ceramic ball bearings while maintaining guiding capability.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a polymer composition is used for the guide unit, then surface defects and noise are reduced, but the material must maintain high mechanical strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves the desired balance by changing the material parameters of the polymer composition to meet specific thresholds: flexural modulus of 7,000 MPa or more and Rockwell surface hardness of 25 or more. These parameter specifications ensure that the polymer guide unit maintains sufficient mechanical strength for structural support and guiding functions while simultaneously reducing surface defects and noise compared to conventional ceramic materials.
3Reliability
If the guide unit material is made harder to resist wear, then friction increases and surface dents occur, but softer materials deform under load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the material properties by specifying a Rockwell surface hardness of 25 or more, which provides adequate wear resistance for the guide unit. This controlled hardness level, combined with a flexural modulus of 7,000 MPa or more, creates a polymer composition that resists deformation under load while minimizing friction and preventing surface dents on the lens module and housing during camera module operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module that includes a housing within a lens module is positioned that contains one or more lenses and an actuator assembly that is configured to drive the lens module in an optical axis direction is provided. The actuator assembly includes a guide unit that is positioned between the housing and the lens module. The guide unit comprises a polymer composition that includes a polymer matrix containing an aromatic polymer, wherein the polymer composition exhibits a flexural modulus of about 7,000 MPa or more as determined in accordance with ISO Test No. 178:2010 at 23° C. and a Rockwell surface hardness of about 25 or more as determined in accordance with ASTM D785-08 (Scale M).