Camera Module Layout to Reduce SMA Motor EMI Stripe Noise

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera modules in smartphones face challenges in reducing electromagnetic interference (EMI) caused by the proximity of shape memory alloy (SMA) motors and their wiring to image sensors, leading to stripe noise in captured images.

Innovation Solution

The motor circuit board is positioned far away from the image sensor, specifically located on the object side of the camera lens assembly, increasing the physical distance between the motor circuit board and the image sensor to reduce electromagnetic interference and stripe noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the motor circuit board is disposed close to the image sensor to save space, then the device size is reduced, but electromagnetic interference causes stripe noise in images

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera module volumeVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The motor circuit board is repositioned from a planar arrangement (close to the image sensor) to a three-dimensional arrangement (above the camera lens assembly). This spatial reconfiguration in the vertical dimension increases the distance between the motor circuit board and image sensor, reducing electromagnetic interference while maintaining a compact overall module design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The camera lens assembly serves as an intermediary structure that physically separates the motor circuit board from the image sensor. By positioning the motor circuit board above the camera lens assembly, the optical components act as a spatial mediator that increases the physical distance between the electromagnetic interference source and the sensitive image sensor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the motor circuit board is positioned far from the image sensor to reduce electromagnetic interference, then stripe noise is reduced, but the overall module size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestripe noiseVSAvoidcamera module volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The motor circuit board is nested above the camera lens assembly, which itself is positioned above the image sensor. This nested arrangement allows the motor circuit board to be remotely positioned from the image sensor for reduced electromagnetic interference, while the entire assembly remains compact due to the vertical stacking configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of increasing horizontal distance between the motor circuit board and image sensor (which would increase module area), the design utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning the motor circuit board above the camera lens assembly. This three-dimensional arrangement achieves electromagnetic isolation without significantly increasing the overall module footprint.

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

This configuration effectively reduces stripe noise in images by minimizing electromagnetic interference between the SMA motor circuit board and the image sensor, thereby improving image quality.

Implementation Method 1

the movement of the camera lens may be driven by using a motor driven by an SMA wire

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShape memory alloy: Shape Memory Alloy

Implementation Method 2

the SMA wire produces electromagnetic interference to the image sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interference: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3972230B1Camera module, video camera, and mobile terminal
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3972230B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3972230B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3972230B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

This application discloses a camera module, including: a camera lens assembly, a motor circuit board, and an image sensor, where the motor circuit board and the camera lens assembly each have a light passing hole, the camera lens assembly is located between the image sensor and the motor circuit board, a light-sensitive surface of the image sensor is located on an image side of the camera lens assembly, and the motor circuit board is located on an object side of the camera lens assembly. This application further provides a corresponding camera and a mobile terminal. In the technical solutions of this application, because the motor circuit board is disposed at a position far away from the image sensor, electromagnetic interference can be reduced, and stripe noise can be reduced.