Camera Module Ball Support Layout for Thin Stable Autofocus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Camera modules in mobile devices face challenges in reducing size while maintaining focus adjustment functionality and resisting external impacts, as traditional actuators and ball bearings can lead to instability and increased thickness due to the need for sufficient distance between ball members to prevent tilting.
Innovation Solution
The camera module design incorporates a lens module with magnets and ball members arranged in a triangular configuration, supported by a yoke and accommodation grooves, allowing for stable movement and reduced size through optimized contact points and motion, and includes a focus adjustment unit with driving coils and magnets for autofocus adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a ball bearing is used to guide the motion of the lens, then the lens can move smoothly in the optical axis direction, but it becomes difficult to maintain balance because the ball bearing is configured to be in point contact and its position changes due to rolling motion
Solution Approach 1:
The single ball bearing is segmented into multiple ball members (first ball member and second ball member) disposed at different positions between the lens module and housing. This segmentation distributes the support function across multiple fixed contact points, preventing the balance issues caused by a single rolling ball bearing whose position changes during operation.
2Volume of moving object
If members are supported with a ball member inserted therebetween by magnetic force, then the structure can be compact, but the members become vulnerable to deformation by external impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure uses local magnetic fields generated by individual magnets disposed on the lens module, with corresponding ball members positioned at specific locations. This localized magnetic support distributes impact forces across multiple discrete contact points rather than a single centralized support point, enhancing resistance to external impacts while maintaining compact dimensions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If sufficient distance between the centers of the ball members in the optical axis direction is secured to prevent tilting, then the lens module remains stable, but the thickness of the camera module increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the optical axis distance (vertical dimension) between ball members to prevent tilting, the invention distributes ball members horizontally across different lateral positions. The first and second ball members are disposed at different positions in the horizontal plane, providing stable support and preventing tilting through lateral distribution rather than vertical separation, thereby reducing camera module thickness.
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 design enables stable autofocus adjustment and shake compensation while reducing the camera module's size and enhancing its resistance to external impacts, maintaining structural integrity and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the ball member moving in a rolling motion in the process of moving the lens in the optical axis direction
Implementation Method 2
members being supported, with a ball member inserted therebetween by magnetic force
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module includes a lens module including at least one lens, a housing accommodating the lens module, and a driving magnet including first and second magnets disposed on the lens module at an interval. The lens module is supported by the housing with a ball member interposed therebetween. The ball member includes two ball members disposed between inner sides of the first and second magnets in an optical axis direction. The first and second magnets are both disposed on one surface of the lens module.