Aperture Module Rotary Blade Mechanism for Camera Thickness Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Camera modules in portable electronic devices face challenges in providing a mechanical aperture due to structural and spatial limitations, leading to issues with weight, autofocus adjustment, and power connection, as well as increased thickness when attempting to control the entrance hole size.
Innovation Solution
An aperture module with a rotary plate and interlocking blades that form entrance holes of varying sizes, using a driving unit with a moving magnet and coil to adjust the blade positions, allowing for precise control of aperture diameter without increasing module thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a mechanical aperture is provided in a camera module, then the amount of incident light can be changed, but the weight of the camera module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical aperture system with a liquid crystal-based optical shutter system. The liquid crystal layer changes its optical properties (from transparent to opaque) through electrical control, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical moving parts while maintaining the ability to control incident light. This substitution of mechanical system with an electro-optical system directly resolves the contradiction between light control capability and module weight.
2Adaptability or versatility
If driving components for aperture are added, then aperture function is achieved, but autofocus adjustment and hand-shake compensation are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid crystal shutter system uses electrical control signals to adjust aperture opening, replacing mechanical driving components. This eliminates interference with autofocus motors and image stabilization mechanisms, as the aperture control is achieved through electrical field changes in the liquid crystal layer rather than mechanical actuation, thus maintaining the reliability of other optical functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid crystal layer serves multiple functions: it acts as the aperture control element, maintains optical clarity when open, and can be integrated into existing camera module structures without adding separate mechanical driving systems. This multi-functionality approach allows aperture control while preserving the performance of autofocus and image stabilization systems.
3Ease of operation
If power connection unit such as coil is provided in aperture, then aperture driving is enabled, but the power connection unit may be locked due to vertical movement of lens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for physical power connection units like coils by using a transparent electrode pattern on the liquid crystal substrate. Electrical signals are delivered through flexible conductive traces that remain stationary relative to the liquid crystal layer, preventing locking issues that occur when mechanical connection units move with the aperture mechanism during lens vertical movement for autofocus.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple blades are used to form circular entrance hole, then various aperture sizes are achieved, but the thickness of aperture module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid crystal shutter system replaces the multi-blade mechanical aperture structure with a planar liquid crystal layer that can be controlled to create different aperture openings. This eliminates the need for multiple stacked blade assemblies that increase module thickness, as the liquid crystal layer provides aperture control in a single thin plane through electrical actuation rather than mechanical blade movement.
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
Enables accurate and continuous adjustment of aperture diameter, reducing current usage and preventing degradation of autofocus adjustment, while maintaining image quality under varying illumination conditions without increasing module thickness.
Implementation Method 1
an aperture driving unit configured to move by connecting a moving portion, including a driving magnet opposing a driving coil, to the plurality of blades
Data Source
AI summary
An aperture module includes a rotary plate disposed on a base, an aperture driving unit driving the rotary plate to rotate, and a plurality of blades interlocked with rotation of the rotary plate, and forming an entrance hole having various sizes by combinations thereof, wherein the plurality of blades each have a portion forming the entrance hole in a stepped form.