Camera Actuator Rail Layout for Stable Long-Stroke Lens Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuators for cameras suffer from reduced durability, posture stability, and driving precision due to physical impacts and wear, leading to increased noise, damage, and reduced image quality.
Innovation Solution
An actuator design with a carrier supported by a first rail with a U-shaped cross-section and a longer length, featuring a differential arrangement of balls, where more balls are placed on this rail, and a magnetic body extending in the moving direction to provide stable physical guidance and shock absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the carrier moves linearly for AF or zoom control with long stroke, then the focusing and zooming functions are achieved, but the moving distance is relatively longer and a heavy lens may be mounted, causing greater physical impact and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single long-stroke linear movement into multiple segments by providing both first and second rails with multiple balls each. This segmentation distributes the mechanical load and impact forces across multiple contact points, reducing the physical impact and noise generated during long-stroke carrier movement for AF or zoom control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple rails (first rail and second rail) with multiple balls on each rail to create a composite guiding system. This merging of multiple support elements works together to bear the heavy lens weight and absorb physical impacts during long-stroke movement, thereby reducing noise and improving durability.
2Length of moving object
If the carrier moves linearly with long stroke and heavy lens, then the optical functions are achieved, but wear, damage, and destruction of internal components may occur more easily and significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the load-bearing function across multiple rails and multiple balls per rail, preventing any single ball from bearing excessive wear during long-stroke movement. This distribution of mechanical stress significantly reduces wear and damage to individual components, improving overall reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the structural parameters of the guiding system by providing both first and second rails with multiple balls each, rather than using a single rail with few balls. This parameter change increases the redundancy and durability of the system, making it more resistant to wear and damage during long-stroke carrier movement with heavy lenses.
3Length of moving object
If the physical impact is large, then the AF or zoom function with long stroke is achieved, but the surface of the ball or the surface of the carrier or housing may be dug or damaged, causing tilt or poor posture of the carrier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the contact surfaces into multiple balls on two different rails, so that if one ball surface becomes damaged during long-stroke movement, other balls remain intact to maintain carrier posture. This segmentation prevents a single point of damage from causing tilt or poor posture, preserving manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple support points (multiple balls on first rail and multiple balls on second rail) to work together in supporting the carrier. This combined support system provides redundancy against surface damage, ensuring that the carrier maintains its proper posture and linear movement precision even when physical impact occurs during long-stroke operation.
4Reliability
If wear or damage occurs to the internal components, then the actuator operates, but foreign substances such as particles detached from the internal components may be generated and scattered, reducing operating precision and affecting image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ball support system into multiple balls on two rails, reducing wear on each individual ball during actuator operation. This segmentation minimizes the generation of detached particles from wear, preventing foreign substances from scattering and affecting operating precision and image quality while maintaining operation continuity.
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 enhances durability and posture stability, minimizing wear and damage, and maintains precise linear movement, thereby improving overall actuator performance and image quality.
Implementation Method 1
generate an electromagnetic force between the coil and the magnet so that the mover moves in the optical axis direction
Implementation Method 2
use a reflector placed at the front end of the lens to reflect (refract) light from a subject
Implementation Method 3
the surface of the ball that guides the physical movement between the housing and the carrier
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator for a camera according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a carrier configured to move linearly; a housing configured to support linear movement of the carrier, a plurality of rails provided on at least one of the carrier and the housing; and a plurality of balls arranged on each of the plurality of rails, and in this case, at least one more ball is arranged on a first rail among the plurality of rails than the number of balls arranged on the other rails.