Image Blur Correction Apparatus Nested Housing Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image blur correction apparatuses for camera devices are too large to be mounted on thin electronic devices like smartphones due to their size along the optical axis direction.

Innovation Solution

The design includes a focus adjustment unit and an image blur correction unit with a housing that has a hollow portion and an exposed portion, allowing the focus adjustment unit to be positioned closer to the rear, reducing the overall size of the apparatus along the optical axis, and utilizing electromagnetic forces or shape memory alloys to move the lens and image sensor for correction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the cover of the image blur correction apparatus covers the total surface of the lens driving unit except for the lens body, then the lens driving unit is protected and structurally stable, but the size of the image blur correction apparatus along the optical axis direction increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidsize along optical axis direction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The focus adjustment unit is nested within the housing structure by positioning its front side wall inside the housing front side wall. The hollow portion of the focus adjustment unit front side wall allows the housing front side wall to extend forward, creating a nested configuration where the lens driving unit is housed within the housing structure, reducing the overall optical axis length while maintaining protection and stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The design transitions from a conventional configuration where the lens driving unit extends forward to a nested configuration where the focus adjustment unit is positioned within the housing. This dimensional reorganization allows the housing front side wall to extend forward of the focus adjustment unit front side wall, reducing the optical axis length while maintaining structural integrity through the nested arrangement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If the focus adjustment unit and housing are spaced away with a particular gap, then the components can be assembled and maintained, but the overall size of the apparatus along the optical axis direction increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly capabilityVSAvoidsize along optical axis direction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The focus adjustment unit is nested within the housing structure, eliminating the need for a large gap between components. The hollow portion of the focus adjustment unit front side wall allows the housing front side wall to extend forward, creating a compact nested configuration that reduces optical axis length while maintaining assembly capability through the integrated nested design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing and focus adjustment unit are merged into an integrated structure where the focus adjustment unit is positioned within the housing. This merging eliminates the need for separate spacing gaps, as the nested configuration allows both components to function together in a compact arrangement that reduces the overall optical axis length

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

This design enables the image blur correction apparatus to be significantly thinner, allowing it to be mounted on thin electronic devices such as smartphones while maintaining effective image blur correction capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing electromagnetic forces or shape memory alloys to move the lens and image sensor for correction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

utilizing electromagnetic forces or shape memory alloys to move the lens and image sensor for correction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 3

utilizing electromagnetic forces or shape memory alloys to move the lens and image sensor for correction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory alloy effect: Shape Memory Alloy

Data Source

PatentUS11506954B2Image blur correction apparatus; camera device and electronic device

Publication Date: 2022.11.22 NEW SHICOH MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

An image blur correction apparatus includes a focus adjustment unit for moving a lens body in the direction of its optical axis; an image blur correction unit; and a housing having a housing front side wall on the front side of the direction of the optical axis and disposed outside said focus adjustment unit and the image blur correction unit, the focus adjustment unit has a focus adjustment unit front side wall on the front side of the direction of the optical axis, the focus adjustment unit front side wall including an exposed portion provided around the insertion hole and a hollow portion recessed toward the rear side of the direction of the optical axis with respect to said exposed portion; and the hollow portion and the rear side of the housing front side wall in the direction of the optical axis are provided to face opposite each other.