Camera Lens Suspension With Polymer Sliding Bearings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current camera lens suspension systems for mobile devices are not highly functional, robust, and efficient to manufacture, particularly in terms of bearings between movable components.
Innovation Solution
A suspension assembly with improved bearings, featuring a support member and a moving member coupled by smart memory alloy wires, with sliding bearing interfaces and polymer surface portions for low friction movement, and a limiter to prevent excessive movement, enabling efficient and reliable optical image stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional ball bearings are used between movable components, then movement smoothness is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex ball bearings with simple polymer-bearing-cap structures that are easier and cheaper to manufacture. The polymer caps are designed to be simple, disposable-like components that provide sufficient bearing function without the complexity of traditional ball bearings, aligning with the principle of using simpler, more economical components when full precision is not required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal (ball bearings) to polymer (bearing caps), and changes the geometric parameter from spherical rolling elements to cap-shaped sliding surfaces. This parameter change simplifies manufacturing while maintaining acceptable movement smoothness for the camera lens suspension application.
2Productivity
If polymer bearing caps are used instead of ball bearings, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but friction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to polymer, exploiting the self-lubricating properties of certain polymers. This material parameter change reduces friction compared to metal-on-metal contact, while simultaneously improving manufacturing efficiency due to the simpler fabrication process for polymer components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction with polymer bearing caps that may incorporate lubricating materials or have surface treatments. The flexure arms use composite materials (metal base with polymer coating or laminate construction) that combine the structural properties of metal with the low-friction properties of polymer, achieving both manufacturing efficiency and low friction.
3Device complexity
If flexure arms with integrated wire attach structures are used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wire attach structure with the flexure arm into a single integrated component. This consolidation reduces the total number of parts and assembly steps, simplifying the overall device structure. The integrated design allows the wire attach features to be formed during the same manufacturing process as the flexure arm itself, managing precision requirements through process integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexure arm serves multiple functions: providing mechanical flexibility, supporting the camera lens, and incorporating wire attach structures for electrical connections. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device structure while the manufacturing process is designed to handle the precision requirements of the integrated features.
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 high-quality, reliable, and efficient camera lens suspension system with low friction and low wear, allowing for close spacing and efficient manufacturing, enhancing the performance and durability of camera lenses in mobile devices.
Implementation Method 1
A smart memory alloy wire is coupled to and extends between the wire attach structures of the support member and the moving member
Implementation Method 2
A sliding bearing interface is between the support member and the plate of the moving member. Each of which can include a polymer surface portion having a perimeter
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A suspension assembly for a camera lens element includes a support member with a wire attach structure and a moving member coupled to the support member. The moving member includes a plate, flexure arms extending from the plate and coupled to the support member, and a wire attach structure. A bearing supports the plate of the moving member for movement with respect to the support member. The bearing includes a spacer portion extending from one of the support member and the plate of the moving member, and a polymer interface surface portion slidably engaged with the other of the support member and the plate of the moving member. A smart memory alloy wire is coupled to and extends between the wire attach structures of the support member and the moving member.