Combined Aperture-Shutter Blade Layout for Low-Profile Cameras

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Solution Overview

Problem

Small form factor cameras face challenges with high stack height due to multiple blades interfering with each other and undesirable z-height, which affects camera size, weight, and performance, particularly in devices like smartphones and tablets.

Innovation Solution

A combined variable aperture and shutter device with a de-coupled architecture that includes aperture and shutter blades, utilizing a rotor-stator actuator system and voice coil motor, allowing for a reduced stack height and efficient operation of both functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple blades are stacked to achieve variable aperture and shutter functions, then the camera can provide both variable aperture control and shutter functionality, but the stack height increases and the overall z-height of the camera increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariable aperture and shutter functionalityVSAvoidstack height

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines variable aperture blades and shutter blades into a single integrated stack, where aperture blades are positioned at even indices (2nd, 4th, 6th positions) and shutter blades are positioned at odd indices (1st, 3rd, 5th positions). This merging of functions into a unified blade structure allows both variable aperture control and shutter functionality to coexist without requiring separate stacked assemblies, thereby reducing overall stack height while maintaining both capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The blade structure is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously. Each blade in the stack can function as either an aperture control element or a shutter element depending on its position and configuration. The universal blade design allows the same structural component to provide both aperture variable control and shutter functionality, eliminating the need for separate dedicated components and reducing the overall z-height.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple blades are stacked to achieve variable aperture and shutter functions, then the camera can provide both variable aperture control and shutter functionality, but the camera size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariable aperture and shutter functionalityVSAvoidcamera size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges variable aperture control and shutter functionality into a single integrated blade stack, reducing the number of separate components and assemblies required. By combining these functions into one compact structure with blades positioned at alternating positions, the overall volume occupied by the camera module is reduced, allowing for smaller form factor devices while maintaining both functional capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple blades are stacked to achieve variable aperture and shutter functions, then the camera can provide both variable aperture control and shutter functionality, but the z-height increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariable aperture and shutter functionalityVSAvoidz-height

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates variable aperture and shutter functions into a single blade stack with alternating blade positions. The aperture blades are positioned at even indices while shutter blades are positioned at odd indices, allowing both functions to share the same spatial envelope. This merging strategy reduces the z-height by eliminating the need for separate stacked assemblies that would otherwise be required to accommodate both functional groups.

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 a compact camera design with improved optical performance and image quality by reducing flare and aberrations, while maintaining functionality for variable aperture and shutter states.

Implementation Method 1

The actuator may include a voice coil motor configured to generate an electromagnetic force to actuate the rotor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS20250370311A1Combined Variable Aperture and Shutter Device for Camera

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 APPLE INC

AI summary

Various embodiments include a combined variable aperture and shutter device for a camera system. The combined variable aperture and shutter device may be coupled with a lens assembly of the camera system. The combined variable aperture and shutter device may include one for more sets of blades arranged to provide a variable aperture as well as a shutter with a reduced stack height. For example, a single set of blades may be shaped such that rotation of the set of blades moves the blades between a fully open state, a mid-state and a shutter state. In another example, one set of blades may provide various aperture sizes while a second set of blades provide shutter functionality.