Camera Actuator Damping Member Resonance Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera actuators, such as those disclosed in PTL 1, face challenges in suppressing resonance during operation, which can affect the stability and performance of camera modules.

Innovation Solution

The proposed camera actuator includes a fixed-side member, a movable-side member holding a lens part, a first lens driving actuator, an elastic support member, and a damping member. This configuration allows the movable-side member to displace in a prescribed direction, supported by the elastic support member, while the damping member helps to suppress resonance between the movable-side and fixed-side members.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a camera actuator with movable-side member and elastic support member is used to enable lens displacement, then the autofocus function is improved, but resonance is generated during operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautofocus functionVSAvoidresonance suppression

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A damping member is introduced as an intermediary element between the movable-side member and fixed-side member. This damping member absorbs and dissipates vibrational energy, preventing resonance from developing during autofocus operations. The damping member acts as a mediator that allows the necessary movement for autofocus while simultaneously suppressing harmful resonance effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the harmful resonance effect into a beneficial outcome by using the damping member to transform vibrational energy into heat energy through internal friction. The resonance that would normally cause instability is instead harnessed to activate the damping mechanism, which then dissipates the energy in a controlled manner, improving overall system stability during autofocus operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Manufacturing precision

If the movable-side member is supported by elastic support member to allow displacement, then lens positioning capability is improved, but mechanical vibration occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens positioning capabilityVSAvoidmechanical vibration

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The damping member serves as an intermediary between the elastic support member and the movable-side member. It allows the elastic support to provide necessary displacement for lens positioning while simultaneously filtering out mechanical vibrations that would otherwise affect positioning precision. The damping member mediates between the need for movement and the need for stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the camera actuator structure is simplified without damping member, then device complexity is reduced, but resonance affects stability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuator structureVSAvoidoperational stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The damping member is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily integrated into the actuator structure. Rather than attempting to design a complex active damping system, the invention uses a passive damping member that requires no power supply or control electronics. This simple component effectively suppresses resonance while adding minimal complexity to the overall actuator design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 effectively suppresses resonance generated during the operation of the camera actuator, enhancing the stability and performance of the camera module by minimizing mechanical vibrations.

Implementation Method 1

a damping member arranged between the movable-side member or a member fixed to the movable-side member, and the fixed-side member or a member fixed to the fixed-side member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

suppress resonance generated during operation of the camera actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 3

an elastic support member extending in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis and supporting the movable-side member on the fixed-side member so as to allow displacement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12292679B2Camera actuator, camera module, and camera mount device

Publication Date: 2025.05.06 MITSUMI ELECTRIC CO LTD

AI summary

A camera actuator is configured to include: a fixed-side member; a movable-side member disposed separated from the fixed-side member in a direction orthogonal to a light axis, the movable-side member holding a lens unit; a first lens drive actuator that displaces the movable-side member in at least a prescribed direction; an elastic support member that extends in the direction orthogonal to the light axis, and supports the movable-side member in relation to the fixed-side member so as to allow the displacement in at least the prescribed direction; and a damping member that is disposed between the movable-side member or a member fixed to the movable-side member, and the fixed-side member or a member fixed to the fixed-side member.