Camera Actuator Layout to Prevent Magnetic Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera devices face challenges in achieving ultra-slim, ultra-small, and high-resolution designs due to space constraints for optical image stabilizers (OIS) and magnetic field interference between actuators, which affect image quality and light reception.

Innovation Solution

A camera actuator design that includes a first actuator for OIS and a second actuator for zoom and auto focusing, with separate magnetic components to prevent interference, and an optical path changer to minimize size and enhance light reception.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a related art camera actuator is used, then the structure is simple, but foreign objects may be caught between the coil and the yoke causing malfunction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuator reliabilityVSAvoidactuator structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator structure is divided into separate components: a first yoke for the voice coil motor and a second yoke for the focus drive motor. This segmentation prevents foreign objects from being trapped between overlapping magnetic components, eliminating the malfunction risk while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A magnetic shield is introduced as an intermediary component between the voice coil motor and the focus drive motor. This shield prevents magnetic field interference and blocks foreign objects from entering the space between the coil and yoke, thereby improving reliability without significantly complicating the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If the coil and yoke are closely positioned for compact design, then the device size is reduced, but foreign objects can be easily trapped causing malfunction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuator sizeVSAvoidactuator reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the yokes into distinct first and second yokes positioned at different locations, the design maintains compact overall dimensions while creating open spaces that prevent foreign object entrapment, thus resolving the contradiction between compactness and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic shield serves as a protective intermediary that allows close positioning of magnetic components for compactness while simultaneously preventing foreign objects from being trapped in the narrowed spaces, thereby maintaining both compact size and high reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If magnetic shields are added to prevent foreign object interference, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuator reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The segmentation of yokes into separate components inherently prevents foreign object interference without requiring additional magnetic shields, thereby improving reliability while avoiding the manufacturing complexity and cost associated with adding extra shield components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and eliminates the need for magnetic shields by redesigning the yoke configuration. By taking out the problematic overlapping structure and replacing it with separated yokes, foreign object prevention is achieved without the manufacturing burden of adding magnetic shield components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 design allows for efficient OIS function without increasing device size, reduces magnetic field interference, and improves light reception, while maintaining precise position detection and long stroke accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

a voice coil motor, which generates a large amount of electromagnetic force in a small space

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

a focus drive motor, which adjusts the position of a lens holder in which a lens unit is held

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP4198625B1Camera actuator
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 LG INNOTEK CO LTD
  • EP4198625B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4198625B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4198625B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An embodiment of the present invention discloses a camera actuator comprising: a housing; a first lens assembly and a second lens assembly moving in the optical axis direction in the housing; and a driving unit for moving the first lens assembly and the second lens assembly, wherein the first lens assembly includes a first outer side surface, and the second lens assembly includes a second outer side surface which faces the first outer side surface and at least partially overlaps the first outer side surface in the optical axis direction and a bonding member that is in contact with at least one of the first outer side surface and the second outer side surface.