Camera Actuator OIS via Vertical Driving and Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical image stabilizer (OIS) technologies face challenges in implementing OIS in ultra-slim and ultra-micro camera modules due to size limitations, leading to issues such as insufficient light, optical axis tilt, magnetic field interference, and increased power consumption, as well as compromised image quality and resolution.
Innovation Solution
The camera actuator and module design incorporates a housing with a shaper unit, a prism unit, and driving parts, including a fixed prism and variable prism, which allows for efficient light management, minimizes optical axis tilt, separates magnetic fields to prevent interference, and uses low-power driving mechanisms to control lens movement for OIS functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional OIS technology is implemented in ultra-slim and ultra-micro camera modules, then image stabilization function is achieved, but size limitations cause insufficient light, optical axis tilt, magnetic field interference, and increased power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the OIS driving part from the lateral side to the lower side of the lens assembly, utilizing the vertical dimension (thickness direction) instead of lateral space. This allows the driving part to be disposed in the thickness direction of the lens assembly, effectively using unused spatial dimension to accommodate OIS components in ultra-slim modules without increasing lateral footprint
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the camera module into distinct functional regions: a first region for the lens assembly and a second region for the OIS driving part. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each region, enabling the driving part to be positioned in the lower side space without interfering with the lens assembly's optical path and light gathering capability
2Reliability
If the OIS driving part is disposed on the side of the lens assembly in limited size modules, then OIS function is implemented, but the size of the lens becomes small causing insufficient light
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the driving part to the lower side in the thickness direction rather than occupying lateral space around the lens, the lens assembly can maintain its full lateral dimensions without compression. This preserves the lens's light-gathering area while still accommodating OIS functionality through vertical space utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The spatial segmentation separates the light-gathering function (lens in first region) from the driving function (OIS part in second region). This allows the lens to be optimized for maximum light collection without being constrained by the presence of driving components, while the driving part operates independently in the lower side space
3Reliability
If conventional OIS technology is used in small camera modules, then OIS operation is implemented, but magnetic field interference and optical axis tilt occur compromising image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates spatially separated regions: a first region containing the lens assembly and a second region containing the OIS driving part. This segmentation increases the distance between magnetic components and the optical axis, reducing magnetic field interference with the lens and minimizing optical axis tilt, thereby preserving image quality and resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic shield between the OIS driving part and the lens assembly to block magnetic field interference. This intermediary component protects the optical system from magnetic disturbances while allowing the OIS function to operate effectively in the separated second region
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 the implementation of OIS in ultra-slim camera modules with improved light management, reduced optical axis tilt, inhibited magnetic field interference, and low power consumption, resulting in enhanced image quality and resolution.
Implementation Method 1
a prism unit (230) disposed on the housing (210), including a fixed prism (232)
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiment relates to a camera actuator and a camera module including the same.The camera actuator according to the embodiment includes a housing, a lens unit disposed on the housing, a shaper unit disposed on the lens unit, a first driving part coupled to the shaper unit, and a prism unit including a fixed prism, coupled to the housing.The housing may include a housing body in which an opening is formed and a housing side portion extending from the housing body.The housing body may include a first guide part and a second guide part protruding from a first region and formed with a groove, and a first protrusion and a second protrusion protruding from a second region.The fixed prism includes a first-first prism protrusion, a first-second prism protrusion respectively corresponding to the grooves of the first guide part and the second guide part of the housing body, and a second-first prism protrusion, a second-second prism protrusion corresponding to the first and second protrusions, respectively.