Camera Module Ball-Guide Layout to Prevent Lens Tilt
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera modules suffer from tilt during lens module movement, affecting autofocus performance and other functions due to the use of multiple ball members for support, which leads to instability and misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design featuring a housing with internal components arranged to minimize tilt by using non-overlapping guide grooves and ball members positioned diagonally to stabilize the carrier and lens module movements along the optical axis, incorporating magnets and coils for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple ball members are used to support the lens module movement, then the lens module can be supported during movement, but tilt occurs during movement which negatively affects focus adjustment performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the support function into two separate stages: (1) ball members support the carrier movement during autofocus, and (2) the same ball members guide the lens module movement during optical image stabilization. This segmentation allows each stage to benefit from the appropriate guidance mechanism without interference, resolving the tilt problem while maintaining support stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a guide frame as an intermediary component between the carrier and the lens module. The guide frame provides guide groove portions that constrain the lens module's movement path, preventing tilt during optical image stabilization while allowing the ball members to continue supporting the carrier during autofocus operations
2Ease of operation
If ball members are used to guide carrier movement, then the carrier can move along the optical axis, but tilt occurs which affects other camera module functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic support system where the ball members adaptively serve different functions based on the operational state: during autofocus, they support carrier movement along the optical axis, and during optical image stabilization, they guide lens module movement within the guide groove portions. This dynamic adaptation prevents tilt while maintaining ease of operation for both functions
Solution Approach 2:
The ball members are designed to perform multiple functions: supporting carrier movement during autofocus and guiding lens module movement during optical image stabilization. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate support and guidance mechanisms, reducing complexity while preventing tilt that would affect camera module function stability
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
The design enhances stability and precision in autofocus adjustments by preventing rotational forces, ensuring the lens module moves parallel to the optical axis, thereby improving focus adjustment performance and reducing interference with other functions.
Implementation Method 1
a first ball member and a second ball member disposed between the housing and the carrier, spaced apart from each other in a diagonal direction of the housing and the carrier, and configured to guide a movement of the carrier relative to the housing in a direction of an optical axis of the camera module
Implementation Method 2
The camera module may include a voice-coil motor (VCM) actuator including a magnet and a coil generating a driving force for moving the lens module
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module includes a housing having an internal space; a carrier disposed in the internal space; a lens module disposed in the carrier; a guide frame disposed between the carrier and the lens module; a first ball member and a second ball member disposed between the housing and the carrier, spaced apart from each other in a diagonal direction of the housing and the carrier, and configured to guide a movement of the carrier in a direction of an optical axis; and a third ball member disposed between the carrier and the guide frame, and a fourth ball member disposed between the guide frame and the lens module, and configured to guide a movement of the lens module in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, wherein the third ball member and the fourth ball member do not overlap each other in the optical axis direction.