Camera Module Autofocusing Driver with Ball Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current camera modules in mobile devices face challenges in providing effective optical image stabilization and autofocusing functions, especially in dynamic environments, due to the need for mechanical actuators and high forces required to correct shaking, which increases complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design that includes a housing with a movable carrier and image sensor, utilizing autofocusing drivers with coils and magnets, and a substrate with deformable bridges to support the image sensor, allowing for movement in multiple directions to correct shaking, including translation, rolling, and tilting, thereby enabling effective optical image stabilization and autofocusing with reduced power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical actuator is used to move the lens barrel for optical image stabilization, then excellent compensation performance is obtained, but device complexity increases and cost becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical actuator system with a magnetic field-based driving system. Specifically, it uses a voice coil motor (VCM) consisting of a coil and magnet assembly to generate electromagnetic force that directly moves the image sensor carrier, eliminating the need for complex mechanical actuators and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining stabilization performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the lens barrel from the stabilization system, instead moving only the lightweight image sensor carrier. This extraction of the heavy lens barrel component eliminates the need for high-force mechanical actuators and reduces device complexity
2Reliability
If a lens barrel is moved for autofocusing, then a relatively large amount of force is necessary, but moving only an image sensor requires relatively small force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the autofocusing function from the lens barrel system and implements it by moving only the lightweight image sensor carrier along the optical axis using the VCM. This extraction eliminates the need to move the heavy lens barrel, reducing the force requirement from large to relatively small
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes electromagnetic force generation through the VCM for traditional mechanical focusing mechanisms. The coil and magnet assembly generates precise electromagnetic force to move the image sensor carrier for autofocusing, requiring relatively small force compared to moving the entire lens barrel
3Reliability
If mechanical actuators are used to correct shaking in multiple directions, then shaking correction is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal VCM system that can generate forces in multiple directions (X, Y, and Z axes) using a single coil and magnet assembly. By controlling the direction and magnitude of electromagnetic force, the same actuator provides translation, rolling, and tilting corrections, reducing power consumption compared to multiple specialized actuators
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes electromagnetic force generation for mechanical actuation in all stabilization directions. The VCM provides efficient, low-power actuation by generating electromagnetic force that can be dynamically directed along any axis, eliminating the need for multiple high-power mechanical actuators
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 an effective optical image stabilization and autofocusing function with low power consumption by enabling the image sensor to move in various directions, improving shaking correction and reducing the complexity and cost associated with mechanical actuators.
Implementation Method 1
a ball member disposed between the carrier and the housing
Implementation Method 2
a first elastic member disposed on a second side of the carrier, and is configured to push the carrier toward the ball member
Implementation Method 3
an autofocusing coil disposed on a first side of the carrier and coupled to one of the housing and the carrier, and an autofocusing magnet coupled to the other of the housing and the carrier and opposing the autofocusing coil in a direction orthogonal to the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module is provided. The camera module includes a housing; a carrier, disposed in the housing, and configured to move in a first direction; an image sensor movably disposed in the carrier and having an imaging plane oriented in the first direction; and an autofocusing driver including an autofocusing actuator configured to move the carrier in the first direction with respect to the housing and a ball member disposed between the carrier and the housing.