Camera Actuator Bobbin Structure for Optical Axis Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera modules face issues with performance deterioration due to long movements of lenses, requiring improved optical axis alignment and enhanced coupling force between the lens holder and guiding unit, especially in ultra-slim and high-resolution cameras.

Innovation Solution

A camera actuator and module design featuring a bobbin with a lens holder and guiding unit connected by a bonding member, incorporating grooves and protrusions for precise alignment, and a driving unit to move the bobbin in the optical axis direction, ensuring efficient performance and angle correction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the lens moves over a long distance for zoom or focus adjustment, then the zoom and focus ranges are improved, but the optical axis alignment deteriorates causing performance degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens movement distanceVSAvoidoptical axis alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The guiding unit is divided into multiple guiding portions (first guiding portion, second guiding portion, third guiding portion) that guide the lens holder at different stages of movement. Each guiding portion provides precise alignment for specific movement ranges, ensuring optical axis alignment is maintained throughout the entire long movement distance for both zoom and focus adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different guiding portions are positioned at different locations and orientations to provide localized guidance for specific movement segments. The first guiding portion guides in the optical axis direction, the second guiding portion guides in a direction intersecting the optical axis, and the third guiding portion provides additional constraint, creating locally optimized guidance for each stage of lens movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Stability of the object's composition

If the lens holder and guiding unit are strongly coupled for stable movement, then the movement stability is improved, but the optical axis alignment becomes difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement stabilityVSAvoidoptical axis alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling between lens holder and guiding unit is segmented into multiple guiding portions rather than a single rigid connection. This allows the lens holder to be stably coupled to the housing while maintaining degrees of freedom for precise alignment adjustment through the multi-stage guiding mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The guiding structure allows for adjustment of alignment parameters through the relative positions and orientations of the guiding portions. The first guiding portion constrains movement in the optical axis direction, while the second guiding portion at an intersecting angle provides adjustment capability for maintaining optical axis alignment during movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Volume of moving object

If the camera module is made ultra-slim for compact design, then the compactness is improved, but the coupling force between lens holder and guiding unit decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera module sizeVSAvoidcoupling force
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The guiding unit extends in a direction intersecting the optical axis (second direction) to provide coupling force in a dimension perpendicular to the main movement direction. This allows the camera module to maintain ultra-slim profile in the optical axis direction while the guiding unit provides sufficient coupling force through its extended structure in the intersecting direction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The guiding portions are strategically positioned and oriented to provide localized coupling forces where needed. The second guiding portion extending in the intersecting direction provides specific coupling force for stabilizing the lens holder during zoom movement, while maintaining overall compact dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4685555A1Camera actuator and camera module comprising same
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 LG INNOTEK CO LTD
  • EP4685555A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4685555A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4685555A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a housing; a first bobbin moving in an optical axis direction within the housing; and a drive unit moving the first bobbin. The first bobbin comprises: a first lens holder accommodating a lens; a guiding unit facing the housing; and a bonding member arranged between the first lens holder and the guiding unit.