Camera Module Magnetic Layout for Compact Position Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing camera modules in electronic devices face challenges in reducing size due to the fixed positions and sizes of position sensors and coils, which are determined by the magnetic field and magnetic member configurations, making it difficult to miniaturize the camera module while maintaining accurate position detection for optical image stabilization and auto-focus functions.
Innovation Solution
The camera module design includes a magnetic member with a coil unit and a magnetic substance unit, where the position sensor is disposed adjacent to the magnetic member, and the magnetic substance extends to face the position sensor, improving magnetic flux reception sensitivity and allowing for a more compact configuration by reducing the distance between the magnetic member and the position sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the position sensor is disposed overlapping with the central portion of the magnetic member to detect position accurately, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement from a vertical stacking configuration (sensor overlapping the magnetic member center) to a lateral adjacent configuration. The position sensor is disposed adjacent to the magnetic member rather than directly above it, and the magnetic substance extends laterally to face the sensor. This dimensional reorganization maintains magnetic flux detection accuracy while reducing the vertical height and overall complexity of the camera module.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic substance acts as an intermediary element that extends from the magnetic member to face the position sensor. This extension enhances the magnetic flux reception sensitivity by creating a more direct magnetic pathway between the magnetic member and sensor, compensating for the non-overlapping arrangement and maintaining detection accuracy without requiring the sensor to be positioned directly over the magnetic member center.
2Manufacturing precision
If the coil size and position are determined according to the position sensor and magnetic member configuration, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but productivity decreases due to fixed design constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces design flexibility by decoupling the coil unit dimensions and positioning from the position sensor and magnetic member configuration. Instead of a fixed design chain where coil size depends on sensor and magnetic member parameters, the coil unit can now be independently optimized. This dynamic design approach allows different coil configurations to be used with the same sensor and magnetic member assembly, enabling faster product iteration and manufacturing.
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 design enhances the reception sensitivity for the position sensor, enabling more accurate detection of magnetic flux and facilitating a smaller camera module size without compromising the performance of optical image stabilization and auto-focus functions.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor configured to convert light received through the lens unit into an electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
The electronic device may perform an OIS function or an AF function using a magnetic member and a coil
Implementation Method 3
The electronic device may include a position sensor (e.g., a 'Hall' sensor) to detect a position of the magnetic member
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a housing including an opening, and a camera module at least partially exposed to an exterior environment of the electronic device through the opening, wherein the camera module includes: a lens unit, an image sensor configured to convert light received through the lens unit into an electrical signal, a magnetic member, a coil unit disposed on a first surface of the magnetic member and oriented to face the magnetic member, a magnetic substance unit coupled to a second surface of the magnetic member, and a position sensor disposed adjacent to the magnetic member and oriented to face at least a portion of the magnetic substance unit.