Camera Actuator with Dual Driving Units for Optical Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Camera modules face issues with friction, vibration control, and optical alignment, leading to decreased image quality and effectiveness of autofocus and zoom functions due to mechanical movement and misalignment of lens groups, as well as inefficiencies in image stabilization.
Innovation Solution
A camera actuator with a housing containing a prism unit and dual driving units, where the second driving unit has a smaller displacement than the first, utilizing piezoelectric devices to precisely control the prism's tilt and minimize friction, and a coil-magnet system for more precise lens movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a zoom actuator is used to move the lens for zooming function, then the magnification can be adjusted, but friction torque is generated causing decrease in driving force and increase in power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical zoom actuator with a magnetic field-based driving system. Magnets are positioned on both sides of the lens group, and by controlling the magnetic fields from these magnets, the lens group can be moved along the optical axis without physical contact, thereby eliminating friction torque and reducing power consumption while maintaining the zooming function.
2Manufacturing precision
If the center of the spherical surface between lens groups deviates from the optical axis, then lens alignment is achieved, but tilt or decent occurs causing image quality deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sensors to detect the position and orientation of the lens group, and based on this feedback information, the magnetic field driving system adjusts the magnetic forces to correct any tilt or decent of the lens group. This closed-loop control ensures that the lens group remains properly aligned with the optical axis, preventing image quality deterioration while maintaining manufacturing precision.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If separation distance is increased to reduce friction torque, then friction resistance decreases, but lens decent or tilt is deepened during zoom movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for increased separation distance by replacing the mechanical contact-based actuator with a magnetic field-based system. The magnets are positioned close to the lens group on both sides, creating a magnetic field that can move the lens group without physical contact. This approach reduces friction torque to near zero while maintaining precise lens alignment through magnetic field control, avoiding the lens decent or tilt issues that would result from increasing mechanical separation.
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 controls hand-shake vibrations, improves optical properties, and enhances autofocus and zoom functions by reducing friction and misalignment, resulting in better image stabilization and quality.
Implementation Method 1
a second driving unit disposed between the prism and the prism mover and tilting the prism
Implementation Method 2
a coil-magnet system for more precise lens movement
Data Source
AI summary
A camera actuator according to an embodiment includes a housing; a prism unit disposed in the housing; and a first driving unit for tilting the prism unit; wherein the prism unit includes: the prism; and a prism mover disposed to surround the prism, and a second driving unit disposed between the prism and the prism mover and tilting the prism, and wherein a driving displacement of the second driving unit is smaller than a driving displacement of the first driving unit.