Camera Gimbal Structure With Independent Rz Anti-Shake Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing micro gimbal cameras in electronic devices are limited to preventing 4 degrees of freedom shaking, failing to address the impact of rotation along the Z axis, which affects imaging quality, especially in night shooting and video shooting.

Innovation Solution

A camera structure with a universal shaft, outer and inner gimbal supports, and dual driving mechanisms that allow the camera module to rotate along three axes (Rx, Ry, and Rz) independently, enhancing anti-shake capabilities by incorporating a second driving mechanism to manage Rz axis rotation separately from Rx and Ry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a two-axis gimbal is used to prevent shaking, then 4 degrees of freedom shaking is compensated, but rotation along the Z axis (Rz) cannot be prevented, resulting in poor anti-shake effect

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-shake effectVSAvoiddegrees of freedom coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the anti-shake system into two independent parts: a two-axis gimbal mechanism (providing Rx and Ry compensation) and a separate optical rotating module (providing Rz compensation). This segmentation allows each subsystem to specialize in specific degrees of freedom, achieving complete 5-DOF coverage while maintaining structural clarity and functional independence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The optical rotating module serves multiple functions: it compensates for Rz rotation, enables independent optical axis rotation for flexible composition adjustment, and works synergistically with the gimbal mechanism. This multi-functionality enhances the overall adaptability of the camera system beyond simple shake compensation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If a two-axis gimbal structure is used, then the structure is relatively simple, but it cannot compensate for all 6 degrees of freedom shaking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegimbal structureVSAvoidshaking compensation completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the shaking compensation function into two parts: the gimbal mechanism handles Rx and Ry rotations, while the optical rotating module handles Rz rotation. This segmentation allows the system to achieve complete 5-DOF compensation without requiring a complex six-axis mechanical gimbal, thus balancing structural simplicity with functional completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces part of the mechanical gimbal system with an optical rotation mechanism. Instead of using a mechanical structure to compensate for all six degrees of freedom, the system uses the optical module's independent rotation capability to handle Rz compensation, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining comprehensive shake compensation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the camera module is fixed in the gimbal structure, then the anti-shake function is achieved, but the space for additional components is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-shake functionVSAvoidspace for additional components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the camera system into a gimbal mechanism and a separate optical rotating module. This segmentation creates distinct functional zones and allows for more flexible spatial arrangement, freeing up space within the camera module for additional components such as flash units, sensors, or other functional elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an additional rotational dimension (Rz) through the optical rotating module, which operates independently from the gimbal's rotation axes. This dimensional addition not only enhances anti-shake capability but also reorganizes the internal space structure, creating more flexible volume utilization and accommodating additional components more effectively.

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 provides a 5-axis anti-shake system that effectively compensates for hand shaking in all directions, improving image quality during night shooting and video recording by independently managing Rz axis anti-shake, reducing crosstalk, and optimizing space for additional components.

Implementation Method 1

at least two coils of the first driving coil group are arranged at interval along a first direction, the first direction is perpendicular to the third axis, the first driving coil group is distributed on two opposite sides of a symmetry axis of the inner gimbal support, and the symmetry axis is in a same direction as a direction from the first outer side wall of the inner gimbal support to the first inner side wall of the outer gimbal support, where in a case that the first driving coil group is energized with current, an interaction force is generated between the first driving coil group and the first magnet group, and the first magnet group drives, based on the interaction force, the inner gimbal support to rotate relative to the outer gimbal support along the first axis and/or along the second axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interaction: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

the second driving mechanism includes: a second magnet yoke, a second driving coil group, and a second magnet group, where the second driving coil group is fixed to the gimbal carrier, the second magnet yoke is fixed to the first outer side wall of the inner gimbal support, the second magnet group is fixed to the second magnet yoke, and the second magnet group matches with the second driving coil group; and at least two coils of the second driving coil group are arranged at interval along a first direction, the first direction is perpendicular to the third axis, the second driving coil group is distributed on two opposite sides of a symmetry axis of the gimbal carrier, and the symmetry axis is in a same direction as a direction from the first outer side wall of the inner gimbal support to the first inner side wall of the outer gimbal support, where in a case that the second driving coil group is energized with current, an interaction force is generated between the second driving coil group and the second magnet group, and the second magnet group drives, based on the interaction force, the gimbal carrier to rotate relative to the inner gimbal support along the third axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interaction: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP4307653B1Camera structure and electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 VIVO MOBILE COMM CO LTD
  • EP4307653B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4307653B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4307653B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

This application discloses a camera structure and an electronic device, which relates to the field of camera technologies. The camera structure includes: a universal shaft, an outer gimbal support, an inner gimbal support, a gimbal carrier, a first driving mechanism, a second driving mechanism, and a camera module, where the camera module is movably connected to the outer gimbal support, and the camera module is fixedly connected to the gimbal carrier; two supporting portions of the universal shaft that are axially distributed along a first axis are hinged to the outer gimbal support, and two supporting portions of the universal shaft that are axially distributed along a second axis are hinged to the inner gimbal support, where the first axis intersects with the second axis; the first driving mechanism is configured to drive the inner gimbal support to rotate relative to the outer gimbal support along the first axis and/or the second axis; the gimbal carrier is slidably connected to a bottom portion of the inner gimbal support; and the second driving mechanism is configured to drive the gimbal carrier to rotate relative to the inner gimbal support along a third axis, where the third axis is perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis.