Autofocus and Image Stabilization Actuator with Dual Coils

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical devices face challenges in compactly designing systems for adjusting focal length and image stabilization with a minimal number of controllers while using an optimal number of individual actuators, which affects the efficiency of autofocus and optical image stabilization functions.

Innovation Solution

The optical device employs a lens with an adjustable focal length and four actuators, featuring a container filled with transparent fluid and an elastically deformable membrane, where each actuator comprises electrically conducting coils and magnets to adjust focal length and stabilize images by tilting the lens shaping member relative to the container, using a current driver to apply specific currents to the coils for focal adjustment and stabilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate actuators are used for autofocus and image stabilization, then the functional performance is improved, but the device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional performanceVSAvoidnumber of actuators

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines autofocus and image stabilization functions into a single actuator assembly. Each actuator includes both a first coil for autofocus (interacting with a first magnet) and a second coil for image stabilization (interacting with a second magnet), allowing both functions to be achieved through one integrated component rather than separate actuators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator is designed with multi-functionality, where the same actuator structure performs both autofocus (axial movement via first coil and first magnet interaction) and image stabilization (lateral movement via second coil and second magnet interaction), making a single component serve multiple purposes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If more actuators are used for precise focal length adjustment and image stabilization, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocal length adjustment precisionVSAvoidactuator configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple control functions into unified actuator assemblies, where each actuator contains both autofocus and image stabilization coils with their respective magnets, reducing the overall number of components while maintaining precise control capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a compact design with minimal actuators is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation for both autofocus and image stabilization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of controllersVSAvoidautofocus and stabilization efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator is segmented into functionally independent coil-magnet pairs within a single assembly, allowing the first coil and second coil to be controlled independently by separate control signals, thus maintaining operational efficiency while reducing overall complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration allows for efficient autofocus and optical image stabilization, maintaining a sharp image by compensating unwanted movements of the optical device, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the optical device in generating stable images.

Implementation Method 1

each actuator comprises an electrically conducting first coil for adjusting said focal length and a second electrically conducting coil for stabilizing said image, wherein the respective actuator comprises a magnet that is configured to interact with the first and the second coil of the respective actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

the optical device is configured to apply a second current to a first pair of (e.g. opposing) second coils and a third current to a second pair of (e.g. opposing) second coils, and wherein the optical device is configured to tilt the lens shaping member relative to the container about a first axis using said first pair of actuators

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP3714304B1Optical device, particularly camera, comprising autofocus and optical image stabilization

Publication Date: 2024.04.10 NEXTLENS SWITZERLAND AG

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AI summary

The present invention relates to an optical device (1), comprising a lens (2) having an adjustable focal length, and four actuators (3) for adjusting the focal length of said lens (2) and for stabilizing an image generated by the optical device (1) with help of said lens (2). According to the present invention, each actuator (3) comprises an electrically conducting first coil (301) for adjusting said focal length and a second electrically conducting coil (302) for stabilizing said image, wherein the first coils (301) are connected in series, wherein the optical device (1) is configured to apply a first current (I1) to the first coils (301) for adjusting said focal length, and wherein for stabilizing said image, the optical device (1) is configured to apply a second current (I2) to a first pair (31) of second coils (302) and a third current (I3) to a second pair (32) of second coils (302).