Camera Module Layout for Compact Hall Sensor Position Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face challenges in reducing the size of camera modules due to the fixed positioning of position sensors and coils, which are determined by the magnetic member's position and size, making it difficult to minimize the overall camera module size.

Innovation Solution

The camera module is structured with a position sensor disposed on the side surface of the magnetic member, and a ferromagnetic substance, such as a yoke, is attached to face the position sensor, improving magnetic flux reception sensitivity and allowing for a more compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the position sensor and coil are positioned according to the magnetic member's position and size, then the detection accuracy is maintained, but the camera module size cannot be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera module sizeVSAvoidposition detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The position sensor is moved from the conventional location (opposite the magnetic member through the coil) to the side surface of the magnetic member, representing a dimensional change in sensor placement. This allows the sensor to detect magnetic flux directly from the side, enabling compact coil-wire winding around the magnetic member while maintaining detection accuracy and reducing overall module volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The coil wire is wound in a nested configuration around the magnetic member, with the position sensor embedded on the side surface. This nesting arrangement allows the sensor and coil to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, maximizing space utilization and reducing the camera module's overall footprint while maintaining functional performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If the position sensor is disposed on the side surface of the magnetic member, then the camera module size is reduced, but the magnetic flux reception sensitivity must be enhanced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera module sizeVSAvoidmagnetic flux reception sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A ferromagnetic substance (yoke) is introduced as an intermediary component between the magnetic member and the position sensor. This yoke concentrates and guides the magnetic flux from the magnetic member to the sensor, enhancing the sensor's reception sensitivity despite its relocated position on the side surface. The yoke acts as a magnetic flux conduit, ensuring reliable detection while enabling the compact side-mounted configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Volume of moving object

If the coil is wound compactly around the magnetic member, then the camera module size is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera module sizeVSAvoidcoil winding complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The coil wire is configured with dynamic routing that allows it to extend from the wound portion around the magnetic member to connection points on the circuit board. This flexible wire configuration enables compact winding around the magnetic member while providing adequate length for external connections, balancing space efficiency with manufacturing ease and electrical connectivity requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 reduces the camera module size and enhances the reception sensitivity for the magnetic flux, enabling a more efficient and compact camera module design.

Implementation Method 1

a coil unit disposed on a first surface of the magnetic member to face the magnetic member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a position sensor disposed on the side surface of the magnetic member, and a ferromagnetic substance, such as a yoke, is attached to face the position sensor, improving magnetic flux reception sensitivity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4018639B1Electronic device including camera
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4018639B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4018639B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4018639B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device includes a housing including an opening, and a camera module at least partially exposed to an exterior environment of the electronic device through the opening, wherein the camera module includes: a lens unit, an image sensor configured to convert light received through the lens unit into an electrical signal, a magnetic member, a coil unit disposed on a first surface of the magnetic member and oriented to face the magnetic member, a magnetic substance unit coupled to a second surface of the magnetic member, and a position sensor disposed adjacent to the magnetic member and oriented to face at least a portion of the magnetic substance unit.