Camera Actuator Design Freedom via Axial Actuator Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing camera actuators with shake correction mechanisms have limited design freedom due to the placement of actuators around the prism, which restricts the miniaturization and design flexibility of camera modules.
Innovation Solution
The camera actuator design includes a first actuator to displace the optical path bending member and second and third actuators to displace the lens part in orthogonal directions, allowing for improved design freedom and miniaturization by positioning them in a way that avoids encircling the prism, thus reducing crosstalk between actuators in dual-camera configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If actuators are disposed around the prism to enable shake correction, then camera shake correction function is achieved, but design freedom around the prism is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates actuators from a two-dimensional arrangement around the prism to a one-dimensional linear arrangement along the optical axis. The first actuator is positioned behind the prism and the second actuator is positioned in front of the prism, both on the optical axis, transforming the spatial configuration from circumferential to axial. This dimensional change allows shake correction functionality while freeing up the lateral space around the prism for other design considerations.
2Reliability
If actuators are disposed around the prism, then shake correction is achieved, but the size of the camera module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reconfigures the actuator layout from a lateral distribution around the prism to an axial distribution along the optical path. By positioning actuators behind and in front of the prism on the optical axis rather than around it, the lateral footprint of the camera module is reduced. This allows for a more compact overall module size while maintaining the shake correction function through the same actuator-prism interaction mechanism.
3Volume of moving object
If actuators are placed close to each other around the prism, then compact design is achieved, but crosstalk between actuators increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the actuator system into two spatially separated components: the first actuator positioned behind the prism and the second actuator positioned in front of the prism along the optical axis. This segmentation increases the physical distance between actuators compared to a clustered arrangement, thereby reducing electromagnetic or mechanical crosstalk between them. Each actuator operates more independently while collectively achieving the shake correction function through their coordinated interaction with the prism.
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 enhances the degree of freedom in camera module design, reduces the size of both the prism and lens modules, and minimizes crosstalk between actuators in dual-camera setups, leading to more compact and efficient camera systems.
Implementation Method 1
light from a subject along the first optical axis is bent in the direction of the second optical axis and guided to the subsequent lens part through a prism that is an optical path bending member
Implementation Method 2
The first actuator is disposed in the vicinity of the optical path bending member and is operable to displace the optical path bending member
Implementation Method 3
The second actuator and the third actuator are disposed in the vicinity of the lens part and are operable to displace the lens part in a second direction and a third direction, respectively
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
This camera actuator comprises: an optical path bending member; a lens unit disposed at a subsequent stage of the optical path bending member; a first actuator that is disposed near the optical path bending member and displaces the optical path bending member; and a second actuator and a third actuator that are disposed near the lens unit so as to be apart from each other in a first direction, and that respectively displace the lens unit in a second direction and a third direction that are orthogonal to the first direction and orthogonal to each other. As a result, the present invention provides a camera actuator capable of improving the degree of freedom of design around the optical path bending member.