Camera Module Magnetic Actuation for Friction-Free Lens Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera modules face challenges such as friction torque generation during zooming, lens decentering and tilt, limited light intake, magnetic field interference, and high power consumption due to space constraints, which affect image quality and resolution.
Innovation Solution
A camera actuator design featuring separate guide parts and dual rails for each lens assembly, coupled with a magnet and coil driving system, allows precise alignment and movement of lens groups, minimizing friction and magnetic interference while securing sufficient light intake.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a zoom actuator is used for zooming function, then zooming capability is achieved, but friction torque is generated causing decrease in driving force and increase in power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical zoom actuator with a magnetic field-based driving system. Magnets are positioned on the lens assembly and interact with a magnetic field generated by a coil or permanent magnet in the housing, enabling zooming movement without mechanical contact. This eliminates friction torque entirely while maintaining zooming capability, directly resolving the contradiction between achieving zooming function and reducing power consumption.
2Force
If separation distance is increased to reduce friction torque, then friction resistance is reduced, but lens decentering and tilt are deepened during zoom movement
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field-based driving system eliminates the need for mechanical contact between the lens assembly and housing. Since there is no physical contact, increasing separation distance does not lead to loss of alignment control. The magnetic field can effectively act across larger distances without requiring precise mechanical clearance, thus allowing the lens assembly to maintain accurate alignment during zoom movement while experiencing minimal friction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic field interaction as a new dimension of force transmission, replacing one-dimensional mechanical contact with three-dimensional magnetic field coupling. This allows the lens assembly to be driven through zoom movement while maintaining positional stability through magnetic attraction, preventing decentering and tilt even when separation distance is increased.
3Volume of moving object
If camera module size is reduced for ultra-thin design, then portability is improved, but space for OIS drive is limited affecting image stabilization
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field-based driving system serves multiple functions within the same structural framework. The same magnets and magnetic field generation mechanism that enable zooming movement are also utilized for optical image stabilization. This multi-functionality allows effective OIS drive in a compact space, resolving the contradiction between miniaturization and maintaining image stabilization performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the zoom driving mechanism and OIS driving mechanism into a single integrated magnetic field-based system. By combining these functions, the camera module achieves both zooming and image stabilization capabilities without requiring separate mechanical actuation systems, thereby reducing overall space requirements while maintaining reliability of both functions.
4Manufacturing precision
If lens groups are aligned for best optical characteristics, then image quality is improved, but decentering and tilt occur during zoom movement
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field-based driving system maintains stable alignment of lens groups during zoom movement by eliminating mechanical friction and contact. The magnetic force acts uniformly on the lens assembly, preventing decentering and tilt that would otherwise occur due to mechanical wear and clearance variations. This ensures that once lens groups are aligned for optimal optical performance, they maintain that alignment throughout the zoom range.
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 reduces friction torque, improves driving force and power efficiency, enhances image quality and resolution by preventing lens decentering and tilt, and allows for ultra-thin and ultra-small camera modules with optimal optical characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
A camera actuator design featuring separate guide parts and dual rails for each lens assembly, coupled with a magnet and coil driving system
Implementation Method 2
a first ball disposed between the first guide part and the first lens assembly, and a second ball disposed between the second guide part and the second lens assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A lens assembly including a lens barrel, and an extension portion extending from the lens barrel in parallel to an optical axis direction. In addition, the extension portion includes a seating portion provided on an outer side surface of the extension portion and extending parallel to the optical axis direction, and a recess portion provided on the outer side surface of the extension portion and spaced apart from the seating portion. Further, the recess portion includes a first recess and a second recess spaced apart from each other along the optical axis direction, and a length of the seating portion in the optical axis direction is greater than a shortest distance in the optical axis direction between the first recess and the second recess.