Camera Actuator Carrier Damping for AF-OIS Impact Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera actuators in portable electronic devices face significant internal impact issues due to the integration of AF and OIS functions, leading to increased lens damage and mechanical component damage from collisions, particularly in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis.
Innovation Solution
A camera actuator design incorporating an OIS damper between the AF and OIS carriers, along with AF and OIS dampers to mitigate impacts, and a stopper to restrict OIS carrier movement, utilizing ball members and guide rails for controlled movement, thereby reducing internal shocks and collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If AF and OIS functions are integrated into a module, then camera functionality is improved, but internal impact and lens damage increase due to increased weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dampers (first damper between housing and AF carrier, second damper between AF carrier and OIS carrier) that are pre-installed to absorb and mitigate impact forces before they can cause damage to the lens and mechanical components. These dampers are positioned strategically to cushion shocks in advance during normal operation and during external impacts.
2Reliability
If dampers are added to mitigate impact, then shock absorption is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damping system is segmented into multiple independent components: a first damper for housing-to-AF-carrier impact mitigation, a second damper for AF-carrier-to-OIS-carrier impact mitigation, and multiple ball members for guided movement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and replaced individually if needed, reducing overall system complexity despite the multiple protective elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dampers as intermediary elements between moving components (housing-AF carrier, AF carrier-OIS carrier) to mediate and reduce impact forces. These intermediaries absorb shock without requiring fundamental redesign of the entire camera module structure, thereby improving reliability with minimal increase in overall complexity.
3Ease of operation
If ball members are used to assist carrier movement, then movement smoothness is improved, but collision damage risk increases without proper cushioning
Solution Approach 1:
Ball members are introduced to enable smooth rolling movement of the AF and OIS carriers, reducing friction and improving ease of operation. However, dampers are simultaneously installed to provide beforehand cushioning against collision forces that may occur during rapid movement or external impact, preventing the ball members and carriers from suffering damage.
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 design effectively suppresses lens damage and mechanical component denting by minimizing internal impacts, enhancing shock absorption and reducing noise from collisions within the camera module.
Implementation Method 1
an OIS damper disposed between an inner side surface of the AF carrier and an outer side surface of the OIS carrier to mitigate an impact occurring between the AF carrier and the OIS carrier
Implementation Method 2
a first ball member disposed between the inner side surface of the housing and the outer side surface of the AF carrier to assist movement of the AF carrier
Implementation Method 3
a second ball member disposed between the AF carrier and the OIS carrier to assist movement of the OIS carrier
Data Source
AI summary
A camera actuator is provided. The camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a housing; and AF carrier which is mounted in the housing and moves in an optical-axis direction; an OIS carrier which is mounted in the AF carrier and moves in a direction perpendicular to the optical-axis direction; a first ball member which is disposed between the inner surface of the housing and the outer surface of the AF carrier to assist in the movement of the AF carrier; a second ball member which is disposed between the AF carrier and the OIS carrier to assist in the movement of the OIS carrier; and an OIS damper which is disposed between the inner surface of the AF carrier and the outer surface of the OIS carrier so as to reduce the impact generated between the AF carrier and the OIS carrier.