Camera actuator and camera device including same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera devices face challenges in securing sufficient space for optical image stabilization (OIS) actuators due to spatial constraints, particularly in ultra-slim and ultra-small designs, and magnetic field interference between OIS and other functions like auto focusing (AF) and zooming, which affect image quality and light reception.
Innovation Solution
A camera actuator design that includes a first and second lens assembly movable relative to each other, utilizing balls for positioning and electrical connection, and separate coils and magnets to prevent magnetic interference, allowing for OIS without increasing device size and ensuring reliable movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a general OIS actuator is disposed around the lens to enable optical image stabilization, then the lens can be tilted or moved for OIS, but the device size increases and space constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the OIS actuator with the AF/zoom actuator into a single integrated actuator structure. The first coil and first magnet for OIS are disposed within the same actuator housing that contains the second coil and second magnet for AF/zoom, merging multiple functions into one compact unit. This eliminates the need for separate actuators and reduces overall device volume while maintaining OIS functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The OIS magnetic components (first coil and first magnet) are nested within the AF/zoom actuator structure. The first coil is disposed around the second coil, and the first magnet is positioned within the space defined by the second magnet's location, creating a nested configuration that maximizes space utilization and minimizes the overall actuator size.
2Illumination intensity
If the lens size is increased to increase the amount of received light for high-resolution pixels, then light reception improves, but the space occupied by the OIS actuator increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the OIS actuator with the AF/zoom actuator into a single integrated unit, the patent reduces the total space occupied by actuation mechanisms. This space reduction allows for larger lens diameters to be accommodated within the same device footprint, thereby increasing the amount of light received by high-resolution pixels without expanding the overall device size.
3Volume of moving object
If an OIS magnet and an AF or zoom magnet are disposed close to each other to save space, then device size is reduced, but magnetic field interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic shield as an intermediary component between the first magnet (OIS) and the second magnet (AF/zoom). This magnetic shield, disposed between the two magnets, acts as a barrier that prevents magnetic field interference between the closely positioned magnets, enabling compact actuator design without suffering from magnetic interference issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic shield extracts or isolates the magnetic fields of the two magnets by providing a dedicated shielding structure between them. This separation of magnetic field paths prevents the harmful interaction between the OIS and AF/zoom magnets while maintaining their close proximity for space efficiency.
4Device complexity
If a single actuator is used for both OIS and AF/zoom functions, then device complexity is reduced, but driving force and reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated actuator is segmented into distinct functional zones with separate coil-magnet pairs: the first coil and first magnet for OIS, and the second coil and second magnet for AF/zoom. This segmentation within integration allows each function to have its dedicated driving components while sharing the same actuator housing and control system, maintaining reliability through functional separation while reducing overall device complexity.
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 enables stable OIS function with minimal size and power consumption, preventing magnetic interference and enhancing reliability, making it suitable for ultra-slim, ultra-small, high-resolution cameras.
Implementation Method 1
a first coil and a first magnet that generate a first electromagnetic force to move the first lens assembly in the optical axis direction, and a second coil and a second magnet that generate a second electromagnetic force to move the second lens assembly in the optical axis direction
Implementation Method 2
a first ball disposed on an upper side portion of the first lens assembly and a second ball disposed on a lower side portion of the first lens assembly, and the first lens assembly moves along the guide part through the first ball and the second ball
Data Source
AI summary
A camera actuator including a base having a first side wall and a second side wall corresponding to the first side wall, a first lens assembly and a second lens assembly disposed in the base, the second lens assembly being movable relative to the first lens assembly, a driving part configured to move the first lens assembly and the second lens assembly, and a first ball disposed on one side portion of the first lens assembly. The first lens assembly moves in an optical axis direction through the first ball. The second lens assembly is configured to be movable in the optical axis direction with respect to the first lens assembly when movement of the first lens assembly in the optical axis direction is stopped and the first ball is disposed between the first lens assembly and a guide part.