Camera Actuator with Ball-Stepped Guide for OIS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultra-slim and ultra-small camera devices face challenges in achieving image stabilization and high-magnification zoom due to space constraints and magnetic field interference, particularly with higher pixel density cameras, where optical image stabilizers and auto focusing mechanisms require precise alignment and movement without increasing device size or causing magnetic interference.
Innovation Solution
A camera actuator design featuring a housing with guide units and recesses with stepped portions to improve straightness and flatness, allowing for precise movement of lens assemblies using balls seated in these recesses, and a driving unit with magnets and coils to enable X-axis and Y-axis tilting without magnetic interference, enabling high-magnification zoom and stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the lens size is increased to increase the amount of received light in high pixel density cameras, then the image quality is improved, but the space occupied by the actuator for OIS increases, making it difficult to ensure sufficient space for lens tilting or moving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the movement dimension from lateral tilting to longitudinal movement along the optical axis. The lens assembly moves forward and backward along the Z-axis rather than tilting sideways, eliminating the need for lateral space while maintaining OIS functionality through optical path length changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the OIS function from the lateral tilting mechanism and implements it through longitudinal lens movement combined with shutter speed adjustment. This separates the OIS function from the traditional tilting actuator, allowing the lens to maintain a fixed lateral position while achieving stabilization through temporal and optical path adjustments
2Adaptability or versatility
If the zooming function, AF function, and OIS function are all included in the camera device, then the camera functionality is improved, but the OIS magnet and AF or zoom magnet are disposed close to each other causing magnetic field interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the OIS function from the magnetic tilting mechanism and implements it through longitudinal lens movement controlled by a separate actuator. This separates the OIS control from the AF and zoom magnets, eliminating magnetic field interference while maintaining all three functions (zooming, AF, and OIS) in the camera device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (longitudinal lens movement along the optical axis) between the actuator and the OIS function. Instead of using magnets for lateral tilting, the system uses an actuator to move the lens assembly forward and backward, mediating the OIS function without magnetic field interference
3Length of moving object
If a lens moves with a long stroke for the AF function or zooming function, then the focusing and zooming range is improved, but the lens does not move straight and it is difficult to drive due to a friction force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses spherical balls seated in recesses with stepped portions to create curved guiding paths for the lens assembly. The spherical contact surfaces reduce friction compared to flat surfaces, and the stepped portions in the recesses guide the ball to ensure straight longitudinal movement along the optical axis, enabling smooth long-stroke movement
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 allows for precise and efficient movement of lens assemblies, effectively implementing optical image stabilization and auto focusing in ultra-slim devices without increasing size and preventing magnetic field interference, thus enhancing image quality and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a ball positioned at the guide unit, wherein at least one of the first lens assembly and the second lens assembly includes a recess which faces the guide unit and in which the ball is seated
Implementation Method 2
a driving unit configured to move the first lens assembly and the second lens assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention is an camera actuator, comprising: a housing including a first side part and a second side part corresponding to the first side part; a first lens assembly and a second assembly lens which move in an optical axis direction on the basis of the housing; a driving part which moves the first lens assembly and the second lens assembly; a guide part which is disposed adjacent to at least one of the first side part and the second side part; and a ball located in the guide part, wherein at least one of the first lens assembly and the second lens assembly includes a recess which faces the guide part and on which the ball is seated, and the recess may include a first stepped part disposed along the edge thereof and a second stepped part disposed inside the first stepped part.