Camera Module Aperture With Magnetic Blade Actuation

Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge is to implement mechanical apertures in camera modules of electronic devices that are becoming lighter and smaller, while also achieving aperture functionality comparable to DSLR cameras.

Innovation Solution

A camera module utilizing a bistable actuator system that employs the repulsive force of magnets to adjust the diameter of the lens light entrance hole, achieved through a moving drive magnet, a fixed drive magnet, and a blade controller that controls the movement of blades defining the aperture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical apertures are implemented in camera modules, then aperture functionality comparable to DSLR cameras is achieved, but device size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaperture functionalityVSAvoidcamera module size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical aperture systems with a magnetic field-based actuation system. A voice coil motor generates a magnetic field that interacts with a magnetic rotor to rotate the aperture blades, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages, springs, and gears. This substitution of magnetic field interaction for mechanical transmission significantly reduces the overall size and weight of the aperture mechanism while maintaining adjustable aperture functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical apertures are implemented in camera modules, then aperture control is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaperture controlVSAvoidmechanical structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical aperture systems with a magnetic field-based actuation system. A voice coil motor generates a magnetic field that interacts with a magnetic rotor to rotate the aperture blades, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages, springs, and gears. This substitution of magnetic field interaction for mechanical transmission significantly reduces the overall size and weight of the aperture mechanism while maintaining adjustable aperture functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a voice coil motor that controls aperture blade rotation by varying electrical current parameters. By adjusting the current magnitude and direction supplied to the voice coil, the magnetic field strength changes, which directly controls the rotor position and consequently the aperture diameter. This electrical parameter-based control replaces complex mechanical positioning mechanisms and simplifies the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 allows for adjustable aperture control in a compact form factor, enabling camera modules to achieve aperture functionality similar to DSLR cameras while maintaining the miniaturization and mobility of electronic devices.

Implementation Method 1

a frame that at least partially surrounds the lens assembly body and includes a coil that faces the moving drive magnet, where the blade controller is configured to adjust a diameter of the lens light entrance hole by controlling the moving drive magnet to move based on a current applied to the coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

A camera module utilizing a bistable actuator system that employs the repulsive force of magnets to adjust the diameter of the lens light entrance hole

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic repulsion force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS20250116913A1Camera module including aperture

Publication Date: 2025.04.10 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A camera module includes a lens assembly, at least two blades that are on a top surface of the lens assembly and define a lens light entrance hole, a moving drive magnet, a fixed drive magnet, a blade controller that is coupled to the moving drive magnet and to the at least two blades, where the blade controller is configured to control a movement of the at least two blades, a lens assembly body, where the lens assembly and the fixed drive magnet are on the lens assembly body, and a frame that at least partially surrounds the lens assembly body and includes a coil that faces the moving drive magnet, where the blade controller is configured to adjust a diameter of the lens light entrance hole by controlling the moving drive magnet to move based on a current applied to the coil.