Camera Module Position Detector Using Inductance Noise Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera modules in portable devices face challenges in precisely detecting the position of lens barrels without employing hall sensors, which can increase manufacturing costs and reduce space efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The camera module incorporates a position detector with a first sensing coil and a second sensing coil, along with a reference coil, to calculate the position of a detected portion on the lens barrel, removing noise components by applying the inductance of the reference coil to the calculation results of the sensing coils, thereby eliminating the need for hall sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If hall sensors are used to detect lens barrel position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hall sensors (mechanical/electromagnetic sensing system) with a coil-based inductance detection system. The position detector uses sensing coils to detect changes in inductance caused by the position of the lens barrel, eliminating the need for complex hall sensor assemblies while achieving comparable or superior measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an electrical copy of the position information through inductance measurement. Instead of directly measuring physical position with hall sensors, the system measures the electrical property (inductance) that changes with position, providing an indirect but accurate representation of the lens barrel position that simplifies the sensing mechanism.
2Measurement precision
If hall sensors are used to detect lens barrel position, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive coil structures that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The sensing coils are integrated into the existing camera module structure using standard PCB or wire-wound techniques, avoiding the need for costly hall sensors while maintaining detection precision through clever use of inductance measurement principles.
Solution Approach 2:
By substituting expensive hall sensors with simpler coil-based inductance detection, the patent reduces manufacturing costs while preserving measurement precision. The coil structure can be manufactured using standard electronics fabrication processes, making the solution more cost-effective for mass production.
3Measurement precision
If hall sensors are used to detect lens barrel position, then measurement precision is improved, but space efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the position detection function with existing structural components in the camera module. The sensing coils are integrated into the housing or mounting structure that already supports the lens barrel, eliminating the need for separate hall sensor assemblies and reducing the overall space required for position detection.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing bulky hall sensor assemblies with compact coil structures, the patent significantly reduces the space required for position detection. The coils can be wound around existing structural elements or mounted on small PCB areas, freeing up valuable space within the compact camera module.
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 solution allows for precise detection of the lens barrel position, reducing manufacturing costs and improving space efficiency by eliminating the need for hall sensors while maintaining accurate autofocus and image stabilization.
Implementation Method 1
a position detector including a first sensing coil and a second sensing coil, disposed to face the detected portion... the position detector detects a position of the detected portion in accordance with calculation results of inductances of the first sensing coil and the second sensing coil
Implementation Method 2
a reference coil disposed outside of a region facing the detected portion... removes noise components by applying inductance of the reference coil to the calculation results of inductances of the first sensing coil and the second sensing coil
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator of a camera module includes a detected portion disposed on a lens barrel, and a position detector including a first sensing coil and a second sensing coil, disposed to face the detected portion, and a reference coil disposed outside of a region facing the detected portion, wherein the position detector detects a position of the detected portion in accordance with calculation results of inductances of the first sensing coil and the second sensing coil, and removes noise components by applying inductance of the reference coil to the calculation results of inductances of the first sensing coil and the second sensing coil.