Camera Module With Dual-Axis Reflector for Thin Foldable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Camera modules in portable electronic devices face challenges in increasing thickness due to the need for larger lenses to achieve higher optical specifications, particularly with the introduction of foldable phones requiring thinner form factors.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design incorporating a first lens module that rotates with respect to two perpendicular axes, a reflective module that adjusts the light path, and a second lens module that moves along a perpendicular axis, housed within a structure that accommodates these components without increasing the module's height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the diameter of the lens is increased to achieve higher optical specifications and lower f-value, then the optical performance is improved, but the height of the camera module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflective element that redirects light at an angle, changing the optical path from a straight linear arrangement to a bent path. This allows the lens diameter to be larger without proportionally increasing the module height, as the light reflects off the element at an angle to reach the sensor. The optical axis is effectively reoriented to accommodate this dimensional change.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a rotatable reflective element that can change its orientation dynamically. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to optimize the optical path for different shooting conditions while maintaining a compact form factor. The reflective element can rotate to adjust the angle of incident light, providing flexibility in optical configuration without increasing the fixed height of the module.
2Manufacturing precision
If the diameter of the lens is increased to achieve higher optical specifications, then the optical performance is improved, but the thickness of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing the reflective element at an angle, the patent creates a three-dimensional optical path that does not linearly expand the device thickness. The light path is bent rather than extended, allowing the lens to have a larger diameter while the overall thickness remains constrained. The reflective element acts as a spatial redirector that decouples lens diameter from device thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges the optical components (lens, reflective element, sensor) in a nested or compact configuration where the reflective element is positioned between the lens and sensor. This nested arrangement allows the optical components to occupy overlapping or adjacent spatial volumes, maximizing the use of available space within the thin device profile.
3Length of stationary object
If a reflective element is added to bend the light path and reduce module height, then the height is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable reflective element introduces dynamic adjustment capability to the optical system. This allows the module to adapt to different optical requirements by rotating the element to change the light path angle. The dynamic feature provides versatility and optimization capability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure compared to multiple fixed optical elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective element serves multiple functions: it redirects light at specific angles, enables compact module height, and can be rotated to adjust optical paths for different shooting scenarios. This multi-functional component reduces the need for separate dedicated elements for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device 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
The design maintains a compact height while enhancing optical performance by allowing for lens adjustments and light path manipulation, suitable for thin portable devices.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective module including a reflective member, and configured to rotate with respect to two rotation axes which are perpendicular to each other
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module is provided. The camera module includes a first lens module including at least one lens disposed in a first optical axis direction, a reflective module including a reflective member and configured to rotate with respect to two rotation axes which are perpendicular each other, and a second lens module including at least one lens disposed in a second optical axis direction and configured to move in the second optical axis direction. The first lens module is configured to be coupled to the reflective module and is configured to rotate together with the reflective module with respect to the two rotation axes which are perpendicular to each other.