Camera Actuator Layout for Thin OIS and AF Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera actuators face issues with increased thickness due to complex structures and magnetic interference, leading to degraded driving performance and reliability, especially in portable devices.
Innovation Solution
A camera actuator design with separate OIS and AF carriers, using guide rails and balls for smooth movement, and upright placement of magnets and coils to minimize thickness and magnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If magnets and drive coils are disposed in lying postures to implement OIS and AF functions, then driving capability is achieved, but height of the actuator in the optical axis direction significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reorients the magnets and drive coils from a horizontal (lying) arrangement to a vertical (upright) arrangement along the optical axis. This dimensional change allows the electromagnetic components to generate force in the perpendicular direction while minimizing height, effectively transforming the spatial configuration to resolve the contradiction between driving capability and actuator thickness.
2Reliability
If lens assembly is moved for OIS, then optical image stabilization is achieved, but movement accuracy deteriorates due to large weight
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the heavy lens assembly for OIS compensation, the patent inverts the approach by moving the image sensor in the opposite direction. This inversion allows the same stabilization effect to be achieved while moving a much lighter component, thereby maintaining high movement accuracy and reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex stacked structure is used for integrated AF and OIS, then both functions are implemented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the AF and OIS functions into a single integrated actuator structure. By combining the drive coils and magnets for both autofocus and optical image stabilization within one unified housing, the design achieves both functions simultaneously while reducing overall structural complexity compared to separate stacked mechanisms.
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 actuator effectively reduces thickness and improves reliability by moving the image sensor instead of the lens assembly, minimizing magnetic interference and preventing ball separation, thus enhancing performance and compatibility with slim portable devices.
Implementation Method 1
generating an electromagnetic force between the coil and the magnet, thereby moving the movable body in the optical axis direction or a direction perpendicular to the optical axis
Implementation Method 2
a frictional force is minimized by a rotational motion of the ball and a point contact with the ball, such that the carrier moves more smoothly and accurately
Data Source
AI summary
A camera actuator includes: a first OIS carrier provided with first and second magnets and an image sensor, and moving in a first direction perpendicular to an optical axis direction; a first drive coil for moving the first OIS carrier in the first direction by generating an electromagnetic force on the first magnet; a second OIS carrier provided on the upper portion of the first OIS and moving in the optical axis direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a second drive coil for moving the second OIS carrier in the second direction by generating an electromagnetic force on the second magnet; and a support frame provided with the first and second drive coils and providing a moving space for the first and second OIS carriers.