Camera Module Lens Stabilization via Asymmetric Ball Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Camera modules face challenges in maintaining autofocusing performance due to potential tilting of the lens module during movement, especially when compact designs are required, which can affect the stability and precision of autofocusing.
Innovation Solution
The camera module design incorporates a unique configuration of ball units and extensions to stabilize the lens module's movement, ensuring it remains parallel to the optical axis, with a greater number of balls in the first ball unit and fewer in the second, positioned to maintain the center of gravity closer to the first ball unit, and utilizing a magnet and coil system for precise movement control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the camera module is designed with a smaller size (reduced height in optical axis direction), then the compactness is improved, but the lens module may tilt relative to the optical axis during movement, worsening the autofocusing performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring different numbers of balls in the first and second ball units (e.g., 3 balls in the first ball unit and 2 balls in the second ball unit). This asymmetric arrangement, combined with positioning the center of gravity closer to the first ball unit, creates a balanced support system that prevents lens module tilting even in compact designs with reduced height in the optical axis direction.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple ball units are used to support the lens module, then the movement stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the support system into multiple ball units (first ball unit and second ball unit), with each ball unit containing multiple balls arranged in the optical axis direction. This segmentation provides stable support for the lens module while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that avoids excessive complexity.
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 enhances the stability and precision of autofocusing while allowing for a more compact camera module design by preventing tilting and ensuring reliable optical axis alignment, thus maintaining high autofocusing performance even in slim form factors.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator having the autofocusing function may include a magnet and a coil for generating a driving force to move a lens module in an optical axis direction
Implementation Method 2
a first ball unit and a second ball unit disposed between the lens module and the housing... each including a plurality of balls disposed in a direction parallel to the optical axis
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module includes a lens module including at least one lens; a housing in which the lens module is disposed; a magnet disposed on the lens module; a coil facing the magnet; a first yoke member fixed to the housing; and first and second ball units disposed between the lens module and the housing, spaced apart from each other in a first direction perpendicular to an optical axis, and each including a plurality of balls disposed in a direction parallel to the optical axis, wherein the lens module includes a first extension protruding in the direction parallel to the optical axis, the housing includes a second extension protruding in the direction parallel to the optical axis and accommodating at least a portion of the first extension, and at least one ball among the balls included in the first and second ball units is disposed between the first and second extensions.