Aperture Module Stacked Blade Design for Compact Camera Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical apertures in digital cameras are cumbersome and difficult to integrate into small devices like smartphones due to their structural complexity and spatial requirements.
Innovation Solution
A compact aperture module featuring a rotating plate with stacked, non-overlapping blades in at least two stages, driven by a linearly reciprocating member, allowing for a variable light incident hole that adjusts with the rotation of the plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical aperture with multiple rotation-type blades is used, then the aperture can be adjusted to control light, but the structure becomes thickened and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture module divides the blade structure into multiple independent stages (first stage blades and second stage blades) that can move separately. Each stage has its own set of blades that can be independently controlled to adjust the aperture, allowing for complex aperture shapes to be formed through coordinated movement of multiple simpler components rather than requiring a single complex rotating mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane rotation mechanism to a multi-stage stacked structure where blades are arranged in different vertical levels. The first stage blades and second stage blades operate in different planes along the optical axis, adding a vertical dimension to the aperture control mechanism. This dimensional change allows for more efficient space utilization and reduced overall thickness compared to traditional single-plane rotating apertures
2Ease of operation
If a mechanical aperture with multiple rotation-type blades is used, then the aperture can be adjusted to control light, but the device becomes thickened
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture module employs a nested stacking structure where the second stage blades are positioned above the first stage blades along the optical axis. The stages are arranged vertically with each stage containing blades that can overlap or interleave with adjacent stages when viewed from the side. This nesting approach allows multiple functional stages to occupy a compact vertical space, significantly reducing the overall thickness of the aperture module while maintaining the ability to adjust aperture area through coordinated blade movement
3Ease of operation
If traditional mechanical aperture structure is used, then aperture control is achieved, but it is difficult to integrate into small devices like smartphones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges multiple blade stages in a vertical stacking configuration along the optical axis rather than using a traditional single-plane horizontal arrangement. This vertical stacking compresses the aperture mechanism in the lateral dimensions while extending it slightly in the vertical dimension, creating a tall-narrow profile that is better suited for integration into the limited space of modern smartphone camera modules where vertical space is more available than horizontal space
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the aperture control into multiple independent blade stages, each stage can be optimized for specific functions (e.g., first stage for coarse adjustment, second stage for fine adjustment). This segmentation allows for more flexible spatial arrangement and integration with other camera module components, making the overall system more adaptable to the compact and constrained environment of smartphone devices
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
This solution enables efficient adjustment of the aperture in a compact form factor, reducing thickness and power consumption while maintaining effective light control, making it suitable for portable electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
an aperture driver including a moving member coupled to the rotating plate, wherein the moving member is configured to linearly reciprocate
Data Source
AI summary
An aperture module includes a rotating plate, seated on a base having a center opening, configured to rotate about an optical axis; an aperture driver including a moving member coupled to the rotating plate, wherein the moving member is configured to linearly reciprocate; and a plurality of blades stacked as at least two stages on the rotating plate, disposed non-overlapping to each other on the respective stages, and configured to form a variable light incident hole interlocked with rotation of the rotating plate. A cusp of adjacent ones of the blades has an extending corner portion generated when straight lateral sides of the adjacent ones of the blades meet each other.