Camera Module Magnet Layout for Accurate Position Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera modules face challenges in accurately detecting the position of magnets with high flexibility in arrangement, especially when magnets move in different directions, affecting the precision of position detection.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design that includes a lens, magnets, coils, and magnetic sensors arranged to detect magnet positions with high accuracy, using coils to move magnets in perpendicular directions and magnetic sensors to detect positions, with specific configurations of coils and sensors to minimize interference from magnetic fields.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two coils are arranged near a magnet to move it in a direction perpendicular to the detection direction, then the magnet can be moved in perpendicular directions, but the magnetic fields from the coils may interfere with the magnetic sensor's detection accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement direction flexibilityVSAvoidposition detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful magnetic field interference from the drive coils into a beneficial effect by strategically positioning magnets with specific polarities. The drive coils generate magnetic fields that interact with the magnets to produce driving force, while the detection magnets are positioned and oriented such that their magnetic fields are minimally affected by the drive coil fields. This allows the same magnetic field generation mechanism to serve both drive and detection functions without significant interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different magnetic polarity configurations to different regions of the magnet array. Detection magnets are positioned at specific locations with polarities optimized for detection accuracy, while drive magnets are positioned and oriented to maximize interaction with drive coil fields. This spatial differentiation of magnetic properties allows simultaneous optimization of both detection precision and drive effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If magnets are arranged flexibly in different positions, then the camera module can be configured for various applications, but maintaining high detection accuracy becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearrangement flexibilityVSAvoidposition detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal magnet-coil-sensor configuration that can serve multiple functions and applications. The same basic structure of detection magnets, drive magnets, and interleaved coils can be applied to different camera module designs and movement requirements. The modular nature of the arrangement allows flexibility in implementation while maintaining consistent detection accuracy through the standardized magnetic field interaction principles.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear arrangements to two-dimensional planar configurations of magnets and coils. By arranging detection magnets and drive magnets in different spatial planes and orientations, the system achieves flexible positioning capabilities while maintaining detection accuracy through the geometric relationships between magnetic fields in multiple dimensions.

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

3Ease of operation

If magnetic sensors are placed near magnets for detection, then position detection is enabled, but the sensors may be affected by magnetic fields from coils used to move the magnets

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection capabilityVSAvoidmagnetic field interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces detection magnets as intermediary elements between the drive coils and the magnetic sensors. The detection magnets are specifically positioned and oriented to create magnetic field patterns that are optimal for detection while being relatively insensitive to the magnetic fields generated by the drive coils during actuation. This intermediary layer isolates the detection function from the drive function's magnetic interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables highly flexible and accurate detection of magnet positions regardless of movement direction, enhancing the precision of position detection and flexibility in camera module arrangements.

Implementation Method 1

a coil portion arranged near the first magnet and configured to move the first magnet in a first direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interaction: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

a magnetic sensor arranged near the second magnet and configured to detect a position of the second magnet in the first direction as a detection direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS11984835B2Camera module
Publication Date: 2024.05.14 ASAHI KASEI MICRODEVICES CORP
  • US11984835B2 patent drawing
  • US11984835B2 patent drawing
  • US11984835B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A camera module includes a lens, a first magnet and a second magnet mounted on a mobile body including the lens, a coil portion arranged near the first magnet and configured to move the first magnet in a first direction, and the magnetic sensor arranged near the second magnet and configured to detect the position of the second magnet in the first direction as a detection direction.