Camera Flexure Module Layout for Thin OIS and Autofocus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing small form factor cameras face challenges in achieving high-resolution imaging while maintaining compact size, particularly in integrating optical image stabilization (OIS) and autofocus (AF) mechanisms effectively.

Innovation Solution

A flexure module configuration with a moveable image sensor, utilizing a Voice Coil Motor (VCM) arrangement and in-plane flexures, allows for separate translation of the image sensor and optical lens, reducing the camera's thickness by repositioning electronic components and using vertical circuit boards for high-speed data transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If a conventional rigid camera module structure is used, then structural stability is maintained, but the camera thickness increases and mechanical flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera thicknessVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexure arms with embedded electrical traces instead of rigid mechanical connections. These flexure arms act as flexible circuit boards that allow relative motion between the lens assembly and image sensor while maintaining electrical connectivity, thereby reducing camera thickness without compromising structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The camera module is divided into separable components (lens assembly, image sensor, flexure arms) that can move independently. This segmentation allows the lens and sensor to be positioned at optimal locations while reducing overall thickness, with each component maintaining its structural stability through dedicated mounting structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If the image sensor and optical lens are integrated in a fixed rigid structure, then manufacturing is simplified, but autofocus and optical image stabilization performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent alignment precisionVSAvoidautofocus and OIS performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic mounting system where the image sensor can move independently from the lens assembly along the optical axis. This dynamic structure enables precise autofocus adjustment and optical image stabilization while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled motion paths and positioning mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Flexure arms serve as intermediary elements between the lens assembly and image sensor, providing both mechanical support and electrical connectivity. These intermediaries enable independent movement of the sensor for autofocus and OIS while maintaining precise alignment through their flexible yet controlled deformation characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If electronic components are positioned traditionally in a planar arrangement, then circuit board layout is simplified, but camera thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircuit board layout simplicityVSAvoidcamera thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional planar circuit board layout to a three-dimensional arrangement where flexure arms with embedded traces provide vertical and angular routing paths. This dimensional change allows electronic components to be positioned closer together, reducing camera thickness while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized flexure arm designs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 solution enhances camera performance and image quality by minimizing thickness and improving mechanical stability, enabling efficient autofocus and optical image stabilization in compact devices.

Implementation Method 1

A flexure module configuration with a moveable image sensor, utilizing a Voice Coil Motor (VCM) arrangement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

utilizing a Voice Coil Motor (VCM) arrangement and in-plane flexures

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12498537B1Flexure module component configurations for camera with moveable image sensor

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 APPLE INC

AI summary

A camera includes a lens carrier to which lens(es), defining an optical axis, are mounted. The lens carrier and the lens(es) are movable along the optical axis. The camera includes an autofocus (AF) damping structure for dampening motion of the lens carrier and the lens(es) in a direction along the optical axis. The camera includes a flexure platform having a dynamic platform to which an image sensor and a substrate are connected for movement together with the dynamic platform, a static platform connected to a static portion of the camera, and multiple flexure arms that mechanically connect the dynamic platform to the static platform. The camera includes electronic component(s) and a volume of space vertically aligned with the AF damping structure and extending from the AF damping structure to the substrate. The volume of space does not include a mounting location of the electronic component(s).