Adjustable Aperture Module for Compact Camera Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional adjustable aperture modules face challenges when applied to compact camera modules, including susceptibility to damage, excessive weight, inability to meet precision requirements, and difficulty in achieving compactness.

Innovation Solution

The imaging lens module incorporates an adjustable aperture module with a blade assembly, fixed shafts, a movable component, and a driving mechanism, which allows for varying the aperture size of the light pass aperture. This module is housed within spacers that enhance spatial efficiency and compactness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If conventional adjustable aperture modules are downsized for compact camera modules, then compactness is improved, but susceptibility to damage increases and manufacturing precision becomes difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera module sizeVSAvoidaperture blade durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The aperture module is segmented into independent components: multiple aperture blades (201-206) that can be separately positioned and adjusted, a support structure (207) that provides rigid mounting, and a control mechanism (208) that independently actuates each blade. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall compactness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The aperture blades are nested within the support structure, with each blade positioned in a dedicated slot or mounting position on the support structure. The control mechanism is nested within the same housing, creating a compact layered arrangement where components are stacked or positioned concentrically around the optical axis, maximizing space utilization in the compact camera module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If conventional adjustable aperture modules are downsized for compact camera modules, then compactness is improved, but manufacturing precision (aperture size and positioning accuracy) becomes difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera module sizeVSAvoidaperture positioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control mechanism (208) replaces traditional mechanical adjustment systems with a more precise actuation system that can accurately position each aperture blade. This may involve using piezoelectric actuators, shape memory alloys, or magnetic actuators that provide fine control over blade position without requiring complex mechanical linkages, thereby achieving high positioning accuracy in a compact form factor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional adjustable aperture modules are used in compact camera modules, then aperture adjustment functionality is achieved, but device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaperture adjustment capabilityVSAvoidaperture module structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure (207) serves multiple functions: it provides rigid mounting for the aperture blades, defines the aperture opening geometry, supports the control mechanism (208), and maintains precise spacing between blades. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining aperture adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control mechanism (208) is integrated with the support structure (207) and aperture blades (201-206) into a single compact assembly. The control mechanism is positioned to directly actuate the blades without requiring separate transmission mechanisms, merging the control function with the structural support function, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution enables the imaging lens module to accommodate different amounts of incident light, enhancing image quality while achieving a more compact design, thus addressing the limitations of conventional adjustable aperture modules.

Implementation Method 1

The driving mechanism is configured to rotate the movable component in the circumferential direction, allowing the blade assembly to move relative to the fixed shafts for varying an aperture size of the light pass aperture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical rotation:

Data Source

PatentUS20250060653A1Adjustable aperture module, imaging lens module, camera module and electronic device

Publication Date: 2025.02.20 LARGAN PRECISION

AI summary

An imaging lens module includes an imaging lens, an adjustable aperture module, a first spacer and a second spacer. The adjustable aperture module is disposed between an object-side lens group and an image-side lens group of the imaging lens and comprises a blade assembly, fixed shafts, a movable component and a driving mechanism. The blade assembly includes at least two light-blocking blades forming a light pass aperture. The driving mechanism is to rotate the movable component in a circumferential direction, allowing the blade assembly to move relative to the fixed shafts for varying an aperture size of the light pass aperture. The fixed shafts are disposed on the first spacer. The second spacer and the first spacer together form an inner space in which the adjustable aperture module is accommodated. The second spacer receives and is in physical contact with the object-side lens group.