Autofocus Camera Module With Triangular Ball Support Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera modules face challenges in reducing size while maintaining functionality, particularly due to the need for an actuator for focus adjustment and the instability caused by ball bearings used for lens guidance.
Innovation Solution
The camera module employs a lens module supported by a housing with ball members interposed between the lens module and the housing, forming a triangular support structure with three ball members, and includes a yoke to stabilize the lens module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a ball bearing is used to guide the motion of the lens, then the lens can move smoothly, but it is difficult to maintain balance and the position changes due to rolling motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional ball bearing rolling contact with a magnetic field-based support system. Magnets are embedded in the lens module and interact with a magnetic tape or magnetic particles on the housing, creating a non-contact magnetic bearing that eliminates mechanical rolling motion while providing stable positional support and smooth movement.
2Ease of operation
If members are supported with ball members inserted by magnetic force, then support is provided, but the members are vulnerable to deformation by external impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the magnetic support from discrete ball members to a continuous magnetic field interaction. By using magnets embedded in the lens module interacting with magnetic tape or particles, the system provides continuous support that distributes impact forces across the entire magnetic field interaction area rather than concentrated points, reducing deformation vulnerability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If sufficient distance between ball members is secured to prevent tilting, then stability is improved, but the thickness of the camera module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical ball bearing system requiring significant spacing with a magnetic field-based support system. The magnetic interaction between embedded magnets and magnetic tape/particles provides stable support and tilting prevention without requiring the same clearance distances, thereby reducing the overall thickness of the camera module.
4Volume of stationary object
If the camera module is reduced in size, then compactness is improved, but the actuator for focus adjustment makes it difficult to reduce size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the focus adjustment function with the magnetic support system. The same magnets embedded in the lens module for magnetic support also serve as the actuator for focus adjustment by interacting with driving coils or magnetic fields, eliminating the need for a separate actuator mechanism and reducing overall module size.
Solution Approach 2:
The embedded magnets in the lens module serve multiple functions: providing magnetic support to eliminate mechanical contact, preventing tilting through field interaction, and enabling focus adjustment through interaction with driving coils. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, allowing for a more compact camera module design.
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 allows for stable driving of the actuator for autofocus adjustment, ensures sufficient strength against external impacts, and reduces the size of the camera module without compromising performance.
Implementation Method 1
The ball member includes two ball members disposed between inner sides of the first and second magnets in an optical axis direction
Implementation Method 2
a driving magnet including first and second magnets disposed on the lens module at an interval
Implementation Method 3
The camera module may further include a yoke disposed to oppose the driving magnet in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module includes a lens module including at least one lens, a housing accommodating the lens module, and a driving magnet including first and second magnets disposed on the lens module at an interval. The lens module is supported by the housing with a ball member interposed therebetween. The ball member includes two ball members disposed between inner sides of the first and second magnets in an optical axis direction. The first and second magnets are both disposed on one surface of the lens module.