Camera Module Housing with Inclined Corners for Lens Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera modules face challenges in operational reliability and ease of mounting, particularly in portable terminals, due to complex structures and potential for mechanical instability during autofocus and optical image stabilization functions.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design featuring a housing unit with a shield can and actuator units that allow for easy assembly and improved mechanical stability, utilizing magnetic forces and guide grooves to facilitate movement of the lens unit in multiple directions, along with a buffer member to reduce noise and impact, enhancing the module's operational reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex structure is used to achieve autofocus and optical image stabilization functions, then the camera module can perform multiple functions, but the operational reliability deteriorates due to mechanical instability
Solution Approach 1:
The camera module is divided into separate functional components: a housing unit containing the image sensor, and a lens unit that can move independently. The lens unit is further segmented into a lens barrel and a focus drive mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing mechanical interference and improving operational reliability while maintaining autofocus and OIS capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
A magnetic field is introduced as an intermediary between the focus drive mechanism and the lens unit. The focus drive mechanism generates a magnetic field that acts on a magnetic body attached to the lens unit, enabling contactless force transmission. This intermediary magnetic field reduces mechanical wear and instability, thereby improving operational reliability while enabling precise lens positioning for autofocus and OIS functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex structure is used to achieve autofocus and optical image stabilization functions, then the camera module can perform multiple functions, but the ease of mounting deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The camera module is divided into separate functional components: a housing unit containing the image sensor, and a lens unit that can move independently. The lens unit is further segmented into a lens barrel and a focus drive mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently, then assembled together, simplifying the manufacturing process and improving ease of mounting while maintaining autofocus and OIS capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it contains both the autofocus mechanism (for focusing) and the optical image stabilization mechanism (for compensating hand-shake). By integrating these functions into a single lens unit that moves in multiple directions, the design simplifies the overall structure and makes the module easier to manufacture and mount while maintaining full functionality.
3Ease of operation
If the lens unit moves relative to the housing in optical axis direction or perpendicular direction, then autofocus and OIS functions are achieved, but mechanical instability occurs reducing operational reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The focus drive mechanism replaces traditional mechanical coupling with a magnetic field-based drive system. The mechanism generates a magnetic field that acts on a magnetic body attached to the lens unit, enabling contactless force transmission. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and instability associated with direct mechanical connections, allowing the lens unit to move smoothly in optical axis and perpendicular directions for autofocus and OIS functions while improving operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field strength and direction are dynamically adjusted to control the lens unit's position and movement. By changing the magnetic field parameters (strength, direction, and timing), the system can precisely control the lens unit's movement for both autofocus (optical axis direction) and OIS (perpendicular direction) functions, ensuring stable operation and improving reliability.
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 enhances the operational reliability and ease of mounting of the camera module by ensuring smooth movement and reduced noise, while maintaining the autofocus and optical image stabilization functions effectively.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing magnetic forces and guide grooves to facilitate movement of the lens unit
Implementation Method 2
utilizing magnetic forces and guide grooves to facilitate movement of the lens unit
Implementation Method 3
utilizing magnetic forces and guide grooves to facilitate movement of the lens unit
Implementation Method 4
along with a buffer member to reduce noise and impact
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a camera module including: a housing unit; a lens unit which is movable relative to the housing unit in an optical axis direction and directions perpendicular with respect to an optical axis; and an actuator unit moving the lens unit, wherein corners of the housing unit are provided with flat surfaces which are inclined with respect to an optical axis of the lens unit.