Camera Actuator with Separated Magnet Driver for OIS

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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, which result in insufficient light, optical misalignment, magnetic field interference, and high power consumption, as well as difficulties in minimizing decent or tilt phenomena.

Innovation Solution

The camera actuator includes a lens unit with a shaper unit and driving parts, where the shaper unit has protrusions coupled to unit driving parts and corresponding unit driving parts, allowing for precise control of the lens unit with a variable prism, enabling OIS operation while separating magnet driving parts to prevent interference and reducing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If conventional OIS technology is used in ultra-slim and ultra-micro camera modules, then the camera module achieves compact size, but insufficient light is secured and optical misalignment occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera module sizeVSAvoidlight amount

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions the OIS driving part from the lateral side to the upper side of the lens assembly, utilizing vertical space rather than lateral space. This dimensional change allows the lens to maintain a larger aperture diameter for sufficient light intake while keeping the overall camera module compact in the lateral dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent separates the OIS driving part from the lens assembly and positions it independently on the substrate. This segmentation allows the lens to be optimized for light gathering without being constrained by the driving mechanism, while the driving part can be independently positioned to utilize available space efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If the OIS driving part is disposed on the side of the lens assembly in a limited size camera module, then compact size is achieved, but magnetic field interference occurs and decent or tilt phenomena cannot be minimized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera module sizeVSAvoidmagnetic field interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the OIS driving part from the lens assembly structure and positions it separately on the substrate. This separation removes the source of magnetic field interference from proximity to the lens, eliminating magnetic interference and preventing decent or tilt phenomena while maintaining compact module size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a substrate as an intermediary platform that supports both the lens assembly and the OIS driving part at separated locations. This intermediary structure enables spatial separation of components that would otherwise need to be in close proximity, preventing harmful interactions while maintaining integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Volume of moving object

If conventional OIS technology is used with limited space, then compact design is achieved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera module sizeVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical OIS driving mechanisms with a magnet-based driving system. The magnet can be actuated by electromagnetic forces from coil units, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages, gears, or motors. This substitution reduces mechanical friction, moving mass, and energy consumption while enabling precise control in a compact form factor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution provides an ultra-slim, ultra-micro camera actuator and module that secures sufficient light, minimizes optical misalignment, inhibits magnetic field interference, and operates with low power consumption, achieving best optical characteristics and wide optical path changes.

Implementation Method 1

a second camera actuator (200) separated from the first camera actuator (100), the second camera actuator (200) including a magnet driving part (72M) disposed on the second camera actuator (200) separated from the first camera actuator (100)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS11627253B2Camera actuator and a camera module including the same

Publication Date: 2023.04.11 LG INNOTEK CO LTD

AI summary

Embodiments relate to a camera actuator and a camera module including same. The camera actuator according to an embodiment comprises a lens unit, a shaper unit, a first driver coupled to the shaper unit, and a second driver arranged to correspond to the first driver. The shaper unit may include a first protruding region having a first protrusion which protrudes from a surface of a first side and a second protrusion which protrudes from another surface of the first side and is separated from the first protrusion; and a second protruding region comprising a third protrusion which protrudes from a surface of a second side and a fourth protrusion which protrudes from another surface of the second side and is separated from the third protrusion.