Camera Actuator Tilting Guide for Compact OIS and AF Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera modules face challenges in securing sufficient space for image stabilization actuators due to ultra-slim and ultra-small design constraints, leading to limitations in lens size and magnetic interference between OIS and AF/zoom magnets, while also requiring improved stiffness and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A camera actuator design featuring a housing with a mover, tilting guide part, and driving part that includes magnets and coils, where the tilting guide part has protrusions and grooves to facilitate precise tilting without magnetic interference, and the mover's center of gravity is aligned with the rotational axis to minimize moment changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the lens size is increased to increase the amount of received light, then the image quality is improved, but the space occupied by the actuator for OIS increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the OIS actuator and AF/zoom actuator into a single integrated actuator structure. The OIS magnet and AF/zoom magnet are positioned within the same actuator assembly, allowing both functions to share the same spatial envelope. This merging enables the lens size to be increased for better light reception while the combined actuator structure efficiently utilizes the available space, preventing the actuator volume from becoming a limiting factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the OIS magnet and AF/zoom magnet in different spatial dimensions within the actuator structure. By arranging the magnets along different axes or at different depths within the same actuator volume, the design maximizes the use of three-dimensional space. This dimensional arrangement allows both OIS and AF/zoom functions to operate independently without requiring additional linear space, thereby enabling larger lens sizes.
2Volume of moving object
If the OIS magnet and AF/zoom magnet are disposed close to each other, then the space is utilized efficiently, but magnetic field interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnetic shielding structures as intermediary elements between the OIS magnet and AF/zoom magnet. These shielding components, positioned strategically within the actuator assembly, redirect and contain the magnetic fields generated by each magnet. The magnetic shields act as mediators that prevent the magnetic fields from interfering with each other, allowing the magnets to be disposed close together for efficient space utilization while eliminating harmful magnetic field interference.
3Reliability
If the lens or camera module is tilted or moved for OIS, then the image shake is corrected, but additional space for tilting or moving is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical tilting system with a magnetic field-based actuation system. Instead of mechanically tilting the entire lens or camera module, the OIS magnet interacts with the voice coil motor to generate electromagnetic forces that achieve the same image stabilization effect. This substitution eliminates the need for large mechanical clearance spaces, allowing the system to achieve reliable image stabilization within a compact volume suitable for ultra-slim camera modules.
4Measurement precision
If the number of pixels in the image sensor is increased, then the resolution is improved, but the amount of light received in the same period of time decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements image stabilization as a preliminary action before image capture. By correcting image shake caused by hand shaking before the exposure occurs, the system ensures that the full amount of light received during the exposure period is effectively utilized. This preliminary stabilization prevents light loss due to motion blur, allowing high-resolution sensors to capture sufficient light even in low-light conditions where longer exposure times would otherwise be required.
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
Enables accurate rotation driving with reduced errors, improved reliability, and energy efficiency, allowing for ultra-slim, high-resolution cameras with efficient OIS and AF/zoom functions without increasing module size.
Implementation Method 1
the driving part includes at least one magnet and at least one coil
Data Source
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AI summary
An embodiment of the present invention provides a camera actuator comprising: a housing; a mover disposed inside the housing and including an optical member; a tilting guide part for guiding tilting of the mover; and a driving part disposed inside the housing and driving the motor, wherein, the driving part comprises at least one magnet and at least one coil, and the at least one magnet at least partially overlaps the tilting guide part in a first direction perpendicular to an optical axis or in a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis.