Miniature Camera Actuator Assembly for Rotational OIS Compensation
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuator assemblies in miniature cameras are limited in their ability to compensate for shake due to their small dimensions, restricting the amount of vibration that can be mitigated through optical image stabilization (OIS) and affecting the performance of 3D sensing systems.
Innovation Solution
The actuator assemblies incorporate a movable element that rotates about an axis perpendicular to its principal axis and does not pass through its center, combined with translational movement, to enhance vibration mitigation and 3D sensing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the dimensions of actuators are reduced for miniaturization, then the camera size is reduced, but the maximum distance the lens element can be translated is reduced, limiting shake compensation capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces rotational movement as an additional degree of freedom beyond traditional translational movement. The lens element can rotate about an axis perpendicular to the optical axis, creating a new dimension of motion that expands the effective compensation range without increasing the physical size of the actuator assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: both translational movement for focus adjustment and rotational movement for shake compensation. This multi-functionality allows a single compact actuator to replace what would traditionally require separate mechanisms, maintaining small size while expanding capability.
2Device complexity
If traditional translational movement only is used, then the actuator structure is simple, but the amount of shake that can be compensated is limited by actuator dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static translational adjustment to dynamic rotational adjustment. The lens element can dynamically rotate in response to detected shake, providing active compensation that adapts to varying vibration conditions while maintaining a relatively simple actuator structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reflective element (mirror or prism) as an intermediary between the lens element and image sensor. By rotating this intermediary element, the system achieves shake compensation with smaller angular movements, effectively amplifying the compensation capability without requiring large-scale actuator movements.
Data Source
AI summary
An actuation assembly comprising: a support structure; a movable element movable relative to the support structure, the novable element having a principal axis; and an actuator arrangement for driving movement of the movable element with respect to the support structure, wherein said movement includes rotational movement of the movable element about an axis which is perpendicular to said principal axis and does not pass through the centre of the movable element, and wherein said movement also includes translational movement of the movable element in a direction perpendicular to the principal axis. The actuation assembly may be used to perform optical image stabilisation or to improve the performance of a 3D sensing system.