Camera Module Aperture Control via Magnetic Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Camera modules in portable electronic devices face challenges in implementing a mechanical stop due to structural and spatial limitations, leading to increased weight and potential degradation of autofocusing functions, as well as issues with power connection portions getting stuck during lens movement.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design featuring a housing with a lens module, blades that form various aperture sizes, a magnet portion for linear movement, and a rotating plate that converts this movement into rotational movement to control the blades, along with a stop driving coil to manage aperture size, reducing weight and preventing autofocusing degradation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a mechanical stop is provided in the camera module to control aperture size, then the aperture control function is improved, but the weight of the camera module increases and the autofocusing function degrades

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaperture control functionVSAvoidcamera module weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical stop system with a magnetic field-based control system. A driving coil generates a magnetic field that acts on a magnet attached to the stop, enabling aperture size adjustment without mechanical contact. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy mechanical components while maintaining aperture control functionality, directly resolving the contradiction between aperture control capability and camera module weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a mechanical stop with power connection portions is provided, then the aperture control function is improved, but the power connection portions may get stuck during lens movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaperture control functionVSAvoidpower connection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical power connection portions by using a magnetic field-based driving system. The driving coil, which is fixed and does not move with the lens, generates magnetic fields to control the stop. This separation of the driving mechanism from the moving lens assembly eliminates the risk of power connection portions getting stuck during autofocus operations, thereby improving reliability while maintaining aperture control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If a mechanical stop is provided to implement various aperture sizes, then the aperture size accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaperture size accuracyVSAvoidstop mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simplifies the stop mechanism by replacing complex mechanical linkages with a direct magnetic field actuation system. The driving coil generates magnetic fields that directly influence the magnet attached to the stop, enabling precise aperture size control through electromagnetic force. This approach reduces the number of mechanical components and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining or improving aperture size accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent controls aperture size by changing the current parameters in the driving coil, which generates corresponding magnetic field strengths. By adjusting electrical parameters (current magnitude and direction), the system can precisely control the position of the stop and thus the aperture size. This parameter-based control method simplifies the mechanical structure while achieving accurate aperture size implementation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 allows for accurate implementation of various aperture sizes without degrading autofocusing or increasing weight, maintaining image quality across different illumination conditions and reducing the risk of power connection issues during lens movement.

Implementation Method 1

a magnet portion (520) including a driving magnet (521a) opposing a driving coil (521b) and being moveable rectilinearly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

a rotating plate (530) interlocked with the magnet portion (520) and the blades (540, 550, 560) to convert linear movement of the magnet portion (520) to rotational movement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical conversion: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS10852623B2Camera module

Publication Date: 2020.12.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRO MECHANICS CO LTD

AI summary

A camera module includes a housing including a lens module, blades disposed on an object side of the lens module to consecutively form apertures having various sizes, a magnet portion including a driving magnet opposing a driving coil and being moveable rectilinearly, and a rotating plate interlocked with the magnet portion and the blades to convert linear movement of the magnet portion to rotational movement.