Camera Module Lens Tilt Prevention via Non-Uniform Ball Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Camera modules in mobile communications terminals face challenges in preventing lens module tilt during focus adjustment due to size differences in ball bearings, leading to resolution degradation as the module size is reduced.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design incorporating a housing with a driving unit, magnet, coil, yoke, and strategically positioned ball members with varying sizes and orientations to generate attractive forces that prevent tilt by ensuring the point of action of the resultant force is within the support region, using a combination of first and second ball members with different pressing forces and positions to stabilize the lens module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the size of the camera module is reduced, then the miniaturization requirement is satisfied, but lens module tilt occurs due to ball bearing size differences causing resolution degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the ball members have different sizes rather than uniform sizes. Specifically, at least one ball member has a different size from the others, creating intentional local variation in the support structure. This compensates for manufacturing tolerances and ensures stable lens module movement without tilt, even in miniaturized camera modules where precision is critical.
2Ease of manufacture
If uniform ball bearings are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but size variations inevitably cause lens module tilt during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of ball member size from uniform to non-uniform. By intentionally varying the size of at least one ball member, the system compensates for manufacturing tolerances and ensures reliable lens module stability. This parameter change transforms a potential defect (size variation) into a functional feature that prevents tilt during lens module movement.
3Reliability
If multiple ball bearings of varying sizes are used, then tilt prevention is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirement increases due to size control
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than requiring all ball members to meet strict uniformity specifications, the patent applies local quality by allowing intentional size variation in at least one ball member. This approach actually reduces manufacturing precision requirements compared to requiring all balls to be identical, while still achieving reliable tilt prevention through the non-uniform configuration.
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 solution effectively prevents lens module tilt during movement, maintaining focus adjustment precision even in miniaturized camera modules by optimizing the distribution and size of ball members to ensure stable support and accurate focus adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
a driving unit including a magnet disposed on the lens module and a coil disposed to face the magnet; a yoke to generate attractive force with the magnet
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module includes a housing accommodating a lens module; a driving unit including a magnet disposed on the lens module and a coil disposed to face the magnet; a yoke to generate attractive force with the magnet; a first ball member disposed between the lens module and the housing, and pressed by a first pressing force; and a second ball member disposed between the lens module and the housing, and pressed by a second pressing force. A direction of the first pressing force is different than a direction of the second pressing force, and a point of action of a resultant force of the first pressing force and the second pressing force is located closer to one of the first ball member and the second ball member than the other of the first ball member and the second ball member.