Camera Module Driving Device Wear Particle Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing camera module driving device generates wear particles due to friction between two synthetic resin members that slide over each other, leading to potential mechanical issues.

Innovation Solution

A module driving device is designed with a module holder, a connection member, and a driver using shape memory alloy wires. The device includes first and second supports made of metal or ceramic, which are disposed to face each other across the optical axis, reducing friction and wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If two synthetic resin members are combined to slide over each other for module holder movement, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but wear particles are generated due to friction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidwear particles
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a composite support structure where a resin support is combined with a metal or ceramic insert. The resin portion provides ease of manufacture and molding, while the metal or ceramic insert provides low-friction, wear-resistant sliding surfaces. This composite approach allows the device to be easily manufactured while suppressing wear particle generation during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-generated harmful factors

If metal or ceramic supports are used instead of synthetic resin members, then wear particles are suppressed, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewear particlesVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support is designed as a composite structure where a resin base is combined with metal or ceramic inserts. The resin portion can be easily molded and manufactured, while the metal or ceramic inserts are integrated into the resin to provide low-friction sliding surfaces. This composite design achieves wear suppression without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity, as the inserts can be embedded during the molding process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If synthetic resin members are used for supports, then the device is lightweight and easy to manufacture, but friction and wear occur during sliding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidfriction
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure combines resin and metal or ceramic materials. The resin provides lightweight properties and ease of manufacture, while the metal or ceramic insert provides low-friction sliding surfaces. This composite approach reduces friction during sliding operations while maintaining the manufacturing advantages of resin-based components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 device effectively suppresses the generation of wear particles, enhancing the mechanical reliability and longevity of the camera module driving system.

Implementation Method 1

a driver including a plurality of shape memory alloy wires configured to move the module holder relative to the fixed-side member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShape memory alloy: Shape Memory Alloy

Data Source

PatentEP4556995A1Camera module driving device
Publication Date: 2025.05.21 ALPS ALPINE CO LTD
  • EP4556995A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4556995A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4556995A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A module driving device that can suppress generation of wear particles is provided. A module driving device MD includes a module holder 2, a connection member 3, a fixed-side member FB, and a driver DM including a plurality of shape memory alloy wires SA configured to move the module holder 2 relative to the fixed-side member FB. Two first supports SB1 are fixed to the connection member 3 and disposed so as to face each other across an optical axis OA in an axial line direction of a first axial line AX1. A lower surface of the two first supports SB1 is formed as a projecting curved surface. The two first supports SB1 are formed of a metal or ceramic. The module holder 2 and the connection member 3 are disposed to overlap with each other in a direction of the optical axis via the two first supports SB1 (first spherical body 7A and third spherical body 7C).