Camera Module Lens Carrier Asymmetric Ball Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Camera modules in mobile devices face challenges with focus adjustment performance due to tilting of the lens module, which affects the accuracy of focus adjustment and shake compensation.

Innovation Solution

The camera module design incorporates a housing with a carrier and ball members positioned diagonally to prevent tilting, using guide grooves and avoidance portions to ensure parallel movement of the lens module along the optical axis, supported by a magnet and coil system for precise focus adjustment and shake compensation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the lens module is supported by multiple ball members for focus adjustment, then focus adjustment function is enabled, but tilt occurs during movement reducing precision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefocus adjustment functionVSAvoidlens module parallelism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by positioning ball members at asymmetric locations relative to the lens module's center of gravity. Specifically, ball members are arranged such that their support points form an asymmetric pattern, which compensates for the lens module's weight distribution and prevents tilting during focus adjustment movement. This asymmetric arrangement ensures that the lens module moves parallel to the optical axis while maintaining the focus adjustment function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Ease of operation

If ball members are positioned to support lens module movement, then focus adjustment is enabled, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefocus adjustment capabilityVSAvoidsupport structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the ball member support structure to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The ball members not only support the lens module for focus adjustment but also inherently provide tilt compensation through their asymmetric positioning. Additionally, the guide grooves integrated into the carrier structure serve both to guide the ball members and to maintain the parallel movement of the lens module, reducing the need for separate complex guiding mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of moving object

If the lens module is made quadrilateral for compact design, then space utilization improves, but alignment precision with ball members becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens module compactnessVSAvoidalignment with ball members
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by customizing different portions of the lens module structure for specific functions. The lens module has a substantially quadrilateral overall shape for compactness, but incorporates specific local features such as avoidance portions at corners where ball members are positioned. These localized modifications ensure precise alignment and clearance between the quadrilateral lens module and the ball members, maintaining both compact design and alignment precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 enhances focus adjustment performance and stability, preventing lens module tilt and improving shake compensation, resulting in improved image quality and reduced camera shake during photography.

Implementation Method 1

the actuator having the focus adjusting function may include a magnet and a coil, generating driving force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of ball members supporting movement of a lens module in an optical axis direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling contact: Ball Bearing

Data Source

PatentUS20240319568A1Camera module
Publication Date: 2024.09.26 SAMSUNG ELECTRO MECHANICS CO LTD
  • US20240319568A1 patent drawing
  • US20240319568A1 patent drawing
  • US20240319568A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A camera module includes a housing having an internal space; a carrier disposed in the internal space; a lens module provided in the carrier; and a first ball member and a second ball member, disposed between the carrier and the housing and spaced apart in a direction, perpendicular to an optical axis, wherein a virtual line connecting a center of a ball included in the first ball member and a center of a ball included in the second ball member passes through the lens module, wherein the lens module includes a first avoidance portion securing space in which at least one of the first ball member or the second ball member is disposed.