Camera Module Lens Positioning via Magnetic Substance

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Camera modules face issues with lens tilting due to gaps between the lens and guide shaft, leading to optical axis offset and image distortion, and continuous current application in voice coil motors results in increased power consumption.

Innovation Solution

The camera module employs a driving unit with a magnet and magnetic substances to precisely position the lens using magnetic forces, reducing the need for continuous current flow and minimizing lens tilting by adjusting the magnetic field intensity based on position sensors and vibration/acceleration data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a gap is present between the lens and guide shaft to enable smooth movement, then the lens can move smoothly along the guide shaft, but the lens may tilt and become offset from the optical axis, causing image distortion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens movement smoothnessVSAvoidlens positioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A magnetic substance is introduced as an intermediary between the lens and guide shaft. This magnetic substance interacts with the magnetic field generated by the voice coil motor to provide precise positioning forces, compensating for the lens tilt caused by the gap while maintaining smooth movement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the magnetic field parameters (strength and distribution) generated by the voice coil motor to compensate for lens tilt. By changing the electrical parameters (current magnitude and waveform) applied to the coil, the magnetic forces are optimized to maintain lens positioning accuracy despite the presence of the gap.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If continuous current is applied to the voice coil motor to maintain exact lens positioning, then the lens remains precisely positioned, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens positioning accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous current application, the system uses periodic or pulsed current signals to the voice coil motor. The magnetic substance maintains positioning through its magnetic properties, allowing the coil to be energized only when position adjustment is needed, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic substance serves itself by maintaining lens positioning through its inherent magnetic properties without requiring continuous external energy input. Once positioned, the magnetic substance retains its alignment through magnetic field interactions, reducing the need for continuous power consumption to maintain position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the lens is exactly adapted to the specified position, then clear images are obtained, but continuous current application increases power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The voice coil motor applies current in periodic pulses rather than continuously. The magnetic substance maintains the lens at the exact position for clear imaging through its magnetic properties, allowing the system to achieve reliable image quality with reduced power consumption by energizing the coil only when position correction is needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 ensures accurate lens positioning, reduces power consumption, and maintains image clarity while minimizing distortion, thereby enhancing the camera module's performance and battery life.

Implementation Method 1

at least one magnetic substance disposed on one surface of the coil opposite to another surface of the coil, which is adjacent to the magnet, to adapt the at least some lenses, which are physically connected with the magnet, to a specified position of the path by using magnetic force between the magnet and the magnetic substance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3462222B1Camera module including magnetic fixing position of lens using magnetic force and electronic device for the same

Publication Date: 2023.09.27 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B

AI summary

A camera module includes a lens unit including one or more lenses, wherein at least some of the one or more lenses are movable along a path corresponding to optical axes of the one or more lenses, and a driving unit to move the at least some lenses along the path. The driving unit includes a magnet physically connected with the at least some lenses, a coil to form a magnetic field such that the magnet moves along the path, and a magnetic substance disposed on one surface of the coil opposite to another surface of the coil, which is adjacent to the magnet. The magnetic substance adapts the at least some lenses, which are physically connected with the magnet, to a specified position of the path by using magnetic force between the magnet and the magnetic substance, which is formed as the coil approaches the magnet.