Camera Module Elastic Member with Integrated Metal Wires
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to integrate a circuit board or lines within thin and lightweight electronic devices that have camera functionality, such as smartphones, to facilitate auto-focus and auto-zoom controls while maintaining device thickness and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design incorporating a lens driving mechanism, a lens unit, and an elastic member with a metal base, insulation layers, and electrically independent metal wires, which are thermally matched to prevent relative displacement and allow for efficient electrical connectivity, enabling precise lens movement and image stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a circuit board or lines are disposed in electronic devices, then electrical connectivity for auto-focus and auto-zoom controls is achieved, but device thickness and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the elastic member with conductive metal wires directly integrated into its structure. The metal wires are formed on the insulation layer of the elastic member, eliminating the need for separate circuit boards. This merging of structural and electrical functions reduces device thickness while maintaining electrical connectivity for lens driving mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical elasticity for lens movement, serves as a structural support component, and incorporates metal wires for electrical connectivity. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate circuit boards and connection lines, thereby reducing device thickness and weight.
2Volume of moving object
If additional circuit boards are eliminated for miniaturization, then device volume is reduced, but electrical connectivity and heat dissipation become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The metal base serves as an intermediary thermal pathway. It is in direct contact with both the heat-generating components (lens driving mechanism) and the housing, providing an efficient heat conduction path. This intermediary structure enables effective heat dissipation without requiring additional heat sinks or thermal management components, thus maintaining compact device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing, being metal, serves its own dual purpose: structural enclosure and heat dissipation. The housing directly contacts the metal base, utilizing its inherent thermal conductivity to dissipate heat from internal components. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate heat dissipation components, reducing device volume while maintaining effective thermal management.
3Reliability
If metal wires with different thermal expansion coefficients are used, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but relative displacement occurs causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the metal base and metal wires should have the same or similar coefficient of thermal expansion. This homogeneity in thermal properties ensures that both components expand and contract at the same rate with temperature changes, preventing relative displacement and maintaining stable electrical connectivity. This material selection criterion directly addresses the stability issue while preserving electrical functionality.
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 design allows for accurate lens displacement, improved heat dissipation, and reduced device volume by eliminating the need for additional circuit boards, enhancing the camera module's performance and miniaturization.
Implementation Method 1
the metal base and the metal wire have the same coefficient of thermal expansion
Implementation Method 2
the insulation layer is disposed between the metal member and the metal wire
Implementation Method 3
improved heat dissipation
Data Source
AI summary
An optical element driving mechanism is provided, including an immovable part, a movable part, a driving assembly, and an elastic assembly. The movable part is movable relative to the immovable part. The movable part accommodates an optical element. The driving assembly drives the movable part to move relative to the immovable part. The elastic assembly is elastically connected to the immovable part and the movable part. The elastic assembly includes a base and a plurality of wires. The base includes a first portion extending along a first direction. Each of the wires includes a second portion extending along the first direction. The second portions are at least partially disposed on the first portion. The second portions at least partially overlap with each other as observed from a second direction that is not parallel with the first direction. The second portions are arranged along the second direction.