Electromagnetic Camera Actuator for Lens Alignment During Zoom
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera modules face challenges in maintaining precise alignment between lens groups during zooming and auto focusing, leading to issues like decentering, tilting, and decreased image quality due to frictional torque generated by mechanical actuators.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design featuring a lens group, a lens support unit, a magnet, a yoke part, and a coil, where the lens group, lens support unit, and magnet move along the optical axis with a current applied to the coil, utilizing a yoke part with different magnetic permeability layers to manage attractive and repulsive forces for precise movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a separation distance is increased in a movement area to reduce frictional torque, then frictional torque is reduced, but the probability of occurrence of decentering or tilting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical actuator system with an electromagnetic actuator system. Instead of using mechanical motors that generate frictional torque through physical contact, the invention uses electromagnetic forces (Lorentz force) generated by coils and magnets to drive lens movement. This substitution eliminates the frictional torque problem inherent in mechanical systems while maintaining precise control over lens position and alignment during zooming and focusing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of the actuator system by transitioning from mechanical force generation to electromagnetic force generation. By controlling electrical current parameters in the coils rather than mechanical torque, the system achieves precise lens movement without the frictional losses and alignment issues that plague mechanical systems. The electromagnetic actuator allows for controlled separation distances that minimize friction while maintaining alignment through non-contact force application.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical actuators are used for zooming and focusing, then lens movement is achieved, but frictional torque causes decentering and tilting of lens groups
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical actuator system with an electromagnetic actuator system. Instead of using mechanical motors that generate frictional torque through physical contact, the invention uses electromagnetic forces (Lorentz force) generated by coils and magnets to drive lens movement. This substitution eliminates the frictional torque problem inherent in mechanical systems while maintaining precise control over lens position and alignment during zooming and focusing operations.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If frictional torque is reduced by increasing separation distance, then driving force decreases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical actuator system with an electromagnetic actuator system. Instead of using mechanical motors that generate frictional torque through physical contact, the invention uses electromagnetic forces (Lorentz force) generated by coils and magnets to drive lens movement. This substitution eliminates the frictional torque problem inherent in mechanical systems while maintaining precise control over lens position and alignment during zooming and focusing operations.
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 enables precise zooming and auto focusing while maintaining lens group alignment, reducing frictional torque, and improving image quality by minimizing decentering and tilting phenomena.
Implementation Method 1
all the lens group, the lens support unit, and the magnet move along an optical axis according to a current applied to the coil
Implementation Method 2
the yoke part includes a first yoke and a second yoke disposed on the first yoke, the second yoke is disposed between the first yoke and the coil, and magnetic permeability of the first yoke is greater than magnetic permeability of the second yoke
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a
AI summary
A camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a lens group; a lens support unit for accommodating the lens group; a magnet arranged on the outer surface of the lens support unit; a yoke portion spaced apart from the magnet and arranged to face the magnet; and a coil arranged on the yoke portion so as to be spaced apart from and to face the magnet between the magnet and the yoke portion, wherein the lens group, the lens support unit, and the magnet move together along an optical axis according to a current applied to the coil, the yoke portion includes a first yoke and a second yoke arranged on the first yoke, the second yoke is arranged between the first yoke and the coil, and magnetism of the first yoke is stronger than that of the second yoke.