Embeddable Camera Lens Actuator Using Opposite-Side Driver IC
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera modules in consumer electronic devices face challenges in reducing size and profile while maintaining auto-focus capability, particularly when embedded in compact devices like smartphones, where the bezel space is limited.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a voice coil motor with a wire coil and a driver integrated circuit (IC) on opposite sides of the camera module, connected by a rigid-flex board, allows for linear movement of the lens assembly along an optical axis, enabling auto-focus without increasing the camera module's lateral dimension, thus reducing the overall size and allowing for a smaller bezel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the driver IC and wire coil are placed on the same side of the camera module, then the electrical connection is simpler, but the lateral dimension of the camera module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the driver IC and wire coil from a same-side planar arrangement to opposite-side spatial separation, utilizing the third dimension (depth/thickness) of the camera module to reduce the lateral footprint. The rigid-flex board extends through the module thickness to connect components on opposite faces, converting a 2D layout problem into a 3D solution that minimizes bezel requirements.
2Area of stationary object
If the camera module size is reduced to fit compact devices, then the bezel size decreases, but the auto-focus mechanism becomes more difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical auto-focus mechanisms (such as motors or actuators requiring significant lateral space) with a voice coil motor system that utilizes electromagnetic fields. This substitution enables compact lens actuation within the constrained thickness of the camera module while maintaining full auto-focus functionality across varying focal distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The voice coil motor arrangement positions the wire coil and magnet on opposite sides of the lens assembly, utilizing the vertical dimension (optical axis) for lens movement rather than lateral expansion. This dimensional reorientation allows the auto-focus mechanism to operate within the limited lateral space of compact camera modules.
3Force
If the voice coil motor components are placed close together, then the magnetic field interaction is stronger, but the camera module lateral dimension increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the wire coil and magnet on opposite sides of the lens assembly along the optical axis, utilizing the vertical dimension for strong magnetic field interaction while keeping the lateral footprint minimal. This spatial arrangement maintains effective electromagnetic force for lens actuation without increasing the camera module's width or length, enabling compact integration in smartphone bezels.
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 enables the camera module to occupy less space within electronic devices, facilitating increased display area and aesthetically pleasing designs by minimizing the bezel size while maintaining auto-focus functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The voice coil motor can include a wire coil that, when energized by an electric current, generates a magnetic field that interacts with a magnetic field of a separate magnet that is fixed to the lens assembly to attract or repel the magnet (and by extension the lens assembly) toward or away from the wire coil.
Implementation Method 2
The connector component can include at least one conductor configured to deliver an electrical current from the driver circuit to the wire coil to energize the wire coil.
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations of the subject matter described herein include an actuator for adjusting focus in a camera. The actuator can include a carrier module that slides within a central opening of a housing and that carries a lens assembly of the camera. A magnet is located on a first lateral side of the carrier module. A wire coil is located on or along a first lateral side of the housing and faces the magnet on the first lateral side of the carrier module. A driver circuit is located on or along a second lateral side of the housing opposite the first lateral side of the housing. A connector component extends from a first region proximate the first lateral side of the housing to a second region proximate the second lateral side of the housing, the connector component including a conductor that electrically couples the driver circuit to the wire coil.