Camera Actuator with Dual Carriers for Focus and Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
As camera module performance improves, the weight of the lens module increases, making it difficult to precisely control the driving force for focus adjustment and image stabilization.
Innovation Solution
The actuator design includes a housing with a first carrier and a second carrier, where the image sensor is fixed relative to the second carrier. The first carrier and second carrier move together in a direction parallel to the imaging plane, and the second carrier moves relative to the first carrier in a direction perpendicular to the imaging plane, utilizing a driver with magnets and coils to generate precise driving forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the lens module weight is increased to improve camera performance, then image quality is improved, but driving force control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is segmented into two independent driving systems: a first driver (electromagnetic actuator) dedicated to focus adjustment and a second driver (electromagnetic actuator) dedicated to image stabilization. This segmentation allows each driver to be optimized for its specific function, with the first driver controlling the lens module's axial position and the second driver controlling the image sensor's lateral position, thereby maintaining precise driving force control despite increased lens module weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor serves as an intermediary element that can move independently in lateral directions relative to the lens module. By decoupling the image sensor movement from the lens module movement, the system achieves image stabilization without requiring the heavy lens module to be precisely controlled for lateral movements, thus resolving the driving force control precision issue while maintaining image quality.
2Manufacturing precision
If the lens module weight is increased, then camera performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The driving system is segmented into two independent electromagnetic actuators, each with its own magnets and coils, controlling different degrees of freedom. This segmentation simplifies the control architecture by dedicating each driver to a specific function (focus and stabilization), reducing the overall system complexity despite the increased lens module weight and performance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Both the first driver and second driver use the same fundamental electromagnetic actuation mechanism (magnets and coils), providing a universal solution for controlling different movements. This multi-functionality approach reduces device complexity by using a standardized actuation principle across different functions rather than requiring different mechanisms for focus and stabilization.
3Measurement precision
If the image sensor moves in multiple directions, then focus adjustment and image stabilization precision are improved, but actuator complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator system is segmented into two independent electromagnetic actuators: the first driver with magnets and coils for axial (focus) control, and the second driver with magnets and coils for lateral (stabilization) control. This segmentation allows precise control of multi-directional sensor movement while maintaining manageable actuator complexity through functional separation and standardized electromagnetic components.
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
This design improves the precision of focus adjustment and image stabilization by allowing the image sensor to move in multiple directions, reducing the weight and complexity of the lens module and driver, and enabling miniaturization of the actuator components.
Implementation Method 1
a driver with magnets and coils to generate precise driving forces
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator for a camera includes a housing having an internal space; a first carrier accommodated in the housing; a second carrier accommodated in the first carrier; and an image sensor fixed relative to the second carrier, wherein the first carrier and the second carrier are configured to move together in a direction parallel to an imaging plane of the image sensor, and wherein the second carrier is configured to move relative to the first carrier in a direction perpendicular to the imaging plane of the image sensor.