Camera Module Buffer Unit for OIS Assembly Force Absorption

Solution Overview

Problem

Camera modules in small-sized electronic devices are prone to hand-shaking issues, which require additional sensors for stabilization, increasing manufacturing costs and space requirements.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design incorporating a first PCB with an image sensor, a housing unit with permanent magnets and yokes, a holder module with coils and wire springs, and a second PCB, which allows for optical image stabilization through magnetic interactions and buffering to absorb excessive assembly forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an additional angular velocity sensor is provided to implement hand-shaking prevention function, then hand-shaking prevention capability is improved, but manufacture costs are increased and additional space is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehand-shaking prevention capabilityVSAvoidnumber of additional components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the hand-shaking prevention function with the existing image sensor by integrating a gyro sensor IC directly into the image sensor substrate. This merging eliminates the need for separate angular velocity sensors and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining hand-shaking prevention capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The image sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the primary imaging component and the hand-shaking detection component by incorporating the gyro sensor IC. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components for hand-shaking prevention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If an additional angular velocity sensor is provided to implement hand-shaking prevention function, then hand-shaking prevention capability is improved, but manufacture costs are increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehand-shaking prevention capabilityVSAvoidmanufacture cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the hand-shaking prevention function with the existing image sensor by integrating a gyro sensor IC directly into the image sensor substrate. This merging eliminates the need for separate angular velocity sensors and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining hand-shaking prevention capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The image sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the primary imaging component and the hand-shaking detection component by incorporating the gyro sensor IC. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components for hand-shaking prevention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If wire springs are used to connect PCBs and holder module, then assembly flexibility and shock absorption are improved, but connection reliability may deteriorate due to excessive forces during assembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly flexibilityVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates buffer portions into the wire springs before assembly, which are specifically designed to absorb excessive forces that may occur during the assembly process. This beforehand cushioning prevents damage to connection units while maintaining the flexibility benefits of wire springs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 provides effective hand-shaking prevention with reduced manufacturing costs and improved assembly reliability by minimizing part loss due to excessive forces during assembly.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of wire springs each configured to have one end connected to the second PCB and the other end connected to the third PCB

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a holder module spaced apart from a bottom surface within the housing unit at a specific interval and configured to have a first coil wound on its outer circumferential face

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

yokes each disposed between the first and the second permanent magnets and configured to transfer magnetic force to the holder module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS12455463B2Camera module having a buffer unit

Publication Date: 2025.10.28 LG INNOTEK CO LTD

AI summary

An optical image stabilization OIS unit including a base; a holder module including an outer blade spaced apart from the base, a bobbin disposed in the outer blade, and a spring member connecting the bobbin and the outer blade; a first coil disposed on the bobbin; a magnet configured to move the bobbin by interacting with the first coil; a second coil configured to move the holder module by interacting with the magnet; a wire electrically connected with the first coil through the spring member; and a buffer unit connected with the wire. The buffer unit has a curved shape having a curvature.