Camera Actuator Lateral OIS Carrier Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera actuators face challenges in space utilization and driving performance due to complex structures and increased height, which hinder the integration of advanced features like autofocus and optical image stabilization in portable devices.
Innovation Solution
The actuator design features a base with a first OIS carrier moving perpendicular to the optical axis, guided by a ball between the base and the carrier, and an AF carrier moving along the optical axis, both with dedicated guide lines and grooves, allowing independent linear movements and improved precision, while simplifying the device configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple carriers are stacked up and down based on the optical axis direction with balls disposed between them, then the AF and OIS functions are integrated, but the height of the actuator is significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the arrangement dimension from vertical stacking (optical axis direction) to lateral arrangement (perpendicular to optical axis). The first and second OIS carriers are positioned side-by-side rather than stacked, and the guide lines are formed on the side surface of the base rather than on top/bottom surfaces, fundamentally changing the spatial dimension of the support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the OIS carriers within the base structure by forming guide lines on the inner side of the base's side surface. The carriers move within the confines of the base while utilizing the side surface area, effectively nesting the moving components within the stationary structure without increasing overall height.
2Length of stationary object
If the height or size of structures and components is reduced to meet thickness specifications, then the portable terminal can be slimmed, but the driving performance is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits the side surface area of the base (perpendicular to optical axis) to accommodate the guide lines and carriers, effectively transferring the spatial requirement from the vertical dimension (height) to the lateral dimensions (width/depth). This allows maintaining compact height while preserving adequate space for carrier movement and electromagnetic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of the guide lines from vertical (parallel to optical axis) to horizontal (perpendicular to optical axis). This parameter change allows the same functional space to be utilized in a different dimension, reducing the height requirement while maintaining the necessary movement range for driving performance.
3Ease of operation
If a wire is used to physically support the carrier, then the carrier position can be restored, but the physical properties of the wire are easily deformed by internal and external environment, deteriorating driving precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the wire-based mechanical support system with a ball-and-guide-line system. The ball rolls along the guide line to provide physical support and position restoration, eliminating the wire's susceptibility to environmental deformation. This substitution maintains the restorative function while dramatically improving precision and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the ball as an intermediary between the carrier and the guide line. The ball serves as a mediator that provides stable, precise physical support while allowing smooth movement along the guide line, replacing the direct wire-carrier connection that was prone to deformation and precision loss.
4Measurement precision
If the weight and size of the lens increase due to high specification, then the image quality is improved, but the driving performance is further deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the wire-based mechanical support with a ball-and-guide-line system that provides superior support for heavy lenses. The rolling ball mechanism reduces friction and provides more stable positional control, enabling the system to handle increased lens weight and size while maintaining or improving driving performance.
Solution Approach 2:
By arranging the guide lines on the side surface and using lateral movement, the patent creates a more stable support geometry for heavy lenses. The side-surface arrangement provides better structural rigidity and weight distribution compared to vertical stacking, improving the system's ability to handle high-specification heavy lenses.
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 enhances space utilization and driving performance by reducing the thickness of the actuator, enabling more efficient movement in multiple directions and simplifying the assembly process, thus meeting the requirements of slimming portable devices without compromising functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the carrier moves more flexibly and accurately by means of a minimized frictional force through the rotational motion of the ball and the point contact with the ball
Implementation Method 2
generate an electromagnetic force between the coil and the magnet so that the mover moves in the optical axis direction or in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator for a camera includes a base having an inner space formed therein, a first OIS carrier accommodated in the base; and a first OIS ball located between an inner side of a side surface of the base and an outer side of a side surface of the first OIS carrier. The first OIS carrier linearly moves in a first direction perpendicular to an optical axis direction along the side surface of the base.