Camera Aperture Module Using Electrets to Hold Blade Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aperture driving modules in camera systems consume additional power to maintain the position of aperture blades, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased energy usage.
Innovation Solution
The aperture driving module employs a voice coil motor (VCM) with a magnet and electrets to adjust the aperture blades, utilizing Coulomb forces between fixed and driving electrets to maintain fixed positions without continuous power consumption, allowing the aperture blades to be fixed in specific positions using electrostatic attraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a voice coil motor (VCM) is used to drive the aperture blade, then the aperture position can be adjusted, but additional power is consumed to maintain the fixed position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional VCM mechanical driving system with an electret-based electrostatic system. The electret generates electrostatic attraction force to hold the aperture blade at fixed positions without requiring continuous power supply, thus eliminating the need for additional power consumption to maintain position while retaining position adjustment capability through controlled charging/discharging of the electret
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic charging and discharging of the electret to achieve aperture position adjustment. The electret is charged to a specific voltage level to generate sufficient electrostatic force for holding the aperture at desired positions, and this charging action is performed periodically or on-demand rather than continuously, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining operational capability
2Stability of the object's composition
If continuous current is applied to VCM to maintain aperture position, then position stability is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electret-based system is self-holding once charged. The electrostatic attraction force generated by the charged electret automatically maintains the aperture blade at the desired position without requiring external power input or active control. The system serves itself by utilizing the stored electrostatic charge to maintain position stability, eliminating continuous energy loss associated with active VCM control
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 enables the aperture blades to be efficiently fixed in specific positions without additional power consumption, reducing energy usage and maintaining the desired aperture size effectively.
Implementation Method 1
Coulomb forces between at least one of the plurality of driving electrets and the fixed electret has a value greater than a weight of the driving unit
Implementation Method 2
utilizing Coulomb forces between fixed and driving electrets to maintain fixed positions without continuous power consumption, allowing the aperture blades to be fixed in specific positions using electrostatic attraction
Implementation Method 3
The aperture driving module may be driven by applying a current to a voice coil motor (VCM) using a magnetic field generated in response to a current flowing through the coil
Data Source
AI summary
An aperture driving module includes a barrel that contains a first fixed electret therein, and is configured to support an optical lens. An aperture blade is provided, which is configured to adjust an amount of light received by the optical lens, upon movement of the aperture blade. A driving unit is provided with a first driving electret. The driving unit is configured to move the aperture blade in response to application of a current to a voice coil motor (VCM), which has a magnet therein and is mounted adjacent a portion of the driving unit. The first fixed electret extends apart from the magnet in a Y-axis direction, and the first driving electret extends apart from the magnet in an X-axis direction.