Camera Actuator with Multi-Ball Support for Stable Focusing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional actuators for camera modules in portable devices lack stability during focusing operations due to single-point support and require complex assembly processes with additional components for ball fixation.
Innovation Solution
An actuator design featuring a magnetic driving module with a magnetic body and coil, supported by plural balls arranged between a carrier part and base, with ball receiving spaces and L-shaped guide grooves ensuring parallel movement and simplified assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If single-point contacting support is used for the carrier part, then the actuator structure is simple, but the stability of moving the carrier part is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented from single-point contacting to multi-point support using multiple balls positioned at different locations on the carrier part. This segmentation provides distributed support points that enhance stability while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple balls are introduced as intermediary elements between the carrier part and the base. These balls serve as mediators that provide stable rolling support and guide the carrier part movement, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and movement stability.
2Reliability
If additional components are added to fix the balls between carrier part and base, then the balls are securely fixed, but the assembling process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ball fixation function is merged with the carrier part structure itself. The carrier part is designed with integrated features that directly hold the balls, eliminating the need for separate fixation components and simplifying the assembly process while maintaining reliable ball positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier part structure provides self-service by incorporating built-in features that automatically secure the balls during assembly. The design enables the carrier part to fix its own support balls without requiring additional external components, reducing assembly complexity.
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
Enhances stability and simplifies assembly by allowing parallel movement of the carrier part with the camera module, eliminating the need for additional components to fix the balls, thus improving focusing performance and reducing assembly complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The driving module includes a magnetic body and a magnetic coil. The magnetic body is disposed on the carrier part. The magnetic coil is disposed on the base, wherein the carrier part is driven to be moved by the driving module
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic body is located at a specified carrier corner of the plural carrier corners. The plural balls are located at remaining carrier corners of the plural carrier corners
Implementation Method 3
The plural balls are located at a second side of the carrier part 12, and clamped between the carrier part 12 and the base 13. When the carrier part 12 is moved by the piezoelectric driving unit 11, the plural balls 14 are rolled along an inner wall of the base 13
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator is provided for driving a camera module to perform a focusing operation. The actuator includes a carrier part, a base, a driving module, and plural balls. The carrier part is used for supporting the camera module and the plural balls. The base is used for accommodating the carrier part. The driving module is used for driving movement of the carrier part. The driving module is located at a corner of the carrier part. The plural balls are located at other corners of the carrier part. The carrier part is guided by the plural balls to be moved in a direction parallel with an optical axis of the camera module.