Camera Module Guiding Element for Compact Autofocus and Image Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera modules face challenges in achieving high image quality and compactness due to increased complexity and size, assembly errors, and difficulties in installing driving mechanisms within limited spaces, which affects their functionality and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design featuring a fixed base, movable carrier, guiding element, lens system, image sensor, auto focus driving device, and image stabilization driving device, with magnet and coil elements for precise movement control, and a reflection element for reduced geometric space requirements, enhancing assembly accuracy and control efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional camera modules include functionalities such as auto focus, optical image stabilization and optical zoom, then the functionality requirements are met, but the structure becomes more complex and the size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple driving mechanisms (auto focus, optical image stabilization, and optical zoom) into a single integrated lens system structure. The lens system includes a common optical axis and shared structural components, allowing multiple functionalities to be achieved without proportionally increasing overall structural complexity. The driving mechanisms are coordinated to operate on the same lens assembly, merging their functions into a unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens system is designed with universal components that serve multiple functions. The optical elements and structural framework are configured to support auto focusing, image stabilization, and zoom operations simultaneously. This multi-functionality is achieved through a standardized optical path and shared mechanical structures that can accommodate all three functionalities without requiring separate independent systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional camera modules include multiple functionalities, then the functionality requirements are met, but the size of the camera module and electronic device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where driving mechanisms and optical elements are positioned concentrically around the common optical axis. The auto focus, image stabilization, and zoom mechanisms are integrated in a layered fashion, with each mechanism occupying a different radial or axial position but sharing the same central optical path. This nesting allows multiple functionalities to coexist in a compact volume without linearly increasing the overall size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement to pack multiple functionalities into a compact form. By organizing the lens elements and driving mechanisms in different spatial dimensions (radial, axial, and angular positions around the optical axis), the design achieves high functionality density. The optical elements are positioned at different depths and angles, allowing multiple operations to occur simultaneously without increasing the projected footprint or overall volume proportionally.
3Productivity
If assembly errors and assembly warpage occur in the manufacturing process, then the manufacturing process is complete, but the defective rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lens system into multiple modular components that can be assembled in a standardized sequence. Each optical element and mounting structure is designed as a separate module with predefined interfaces, allowing for precise alignment and reducing cumulative assembly errors. The segmentation enables quality control at each assembly stage and facilitates replacement or adjustment of individual components without affecting the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary structures such as mounting brackets, alignment fixtures, and positioning elements that mediate between the various optical components and the housing. These intermediaries provide reference surfaces and mechanical constraints that prevent assembly warpage and ensure consistent positioning. The intermediary components act as buffers that absorb manufacturing tolerances and maintain the precision of the optical alignment throughout the assembly process.
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 achieves higher assembly accuracy, reduces assembly errors, and enables more precise control efficiency, allowing for compact and high-image-quality camera modules with improved auto focus and image stabilization functionalities.
Implementation Method 1
The auto focus driving device includes a first magnet element and a first coil element disposed corresponding to each other. One of the first magnet element and the first coil element is disposed on the lens system or the movable carrier, another one of the first magnet element and the first coil element is disposed on the fixed base, and the auto focus driving device is configured to provide a driving force for auto focusing of the lens system.
Implementation Method 2
The guiding element is disposed between the fixed base and the movable carrier, and the guiding element provides a degree of freedom of movement of the movable carrier relative to the fixed base. Each of the fixed base and the movable carrier has a guiding structure, and the guiding structures correspond to each other and are in physical contact with the guiding element, so that the movable carrier is movable in a direction parallel to an optical axis of the lens system.
Implementation Method 3
The image sensor is disposed on an image surface of the lens system and configured to receive optical image signal from the lens system.
Implementation Method 4
The camera module further includes a reflection element fixed to the fixed base, and an object-side surface and an image-side surface of the reflection element respectively correspond to the lens system and the image sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module includes a fixed base, a movable carrier disposed on the fixed base, a guiding element disposed between the fixed base and the movable carrier and providing a degree of freedom of movement of the movable carrier relative to the fixed base, a lens system fixed to the movable carrier, an image sensor configured to receive an optical image signal from the lens system, an auto focus driving device configured to provide a driving force for auto focusing of the lens system, and an image stabilization driving device configured to provide a driving force for image stabilization of the image sensor. The fixed base and the movable carrier each has a guiding structure. The guiding structures correspond to each other and are in contact with the guiding element. Therefore, the movable carrier is movable in a direction parallel to an optical axis of the lens system.