Camera Module Magnetic Damping for Impact Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Camera modules in mobile communication terminals are vulnerable to external impact due to their compact size, and existing solutions like stoppers and elastic members increase size and power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design that uses the attraction between a magnet and a yoke to control the movement of the lens module, eliminating the need for additional components and reducing power consumption by eliminating the elastic member, thereby reducing the size and vulnerability to impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If stoppers and buffering members are installed to protect against external impact, then impact resistance is improved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoidcamera module size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical buffering members and stoppers with a magnetic field-based damping system. The coil generates a magnetic field that interacts with the magnet attached to the lens module, creating electromagnetic damping forces that resist impact without requiring additional mechanical components. This substitution of mechanical systems with electromagnetic fields achieves impact protection while maintaining compact dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If elastic members with pre-load are used to alleviate external impact, then impact resistance is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic or pulsed magnetic field generation through the coil to provide impact protection only when needed, rather than maintaining constant pre-load through elastic members. The control unit activates the coil to generate damping forces during impact events or when movement exceeds predetermined thresholds, eliminating continuous power consumption while maintaining impact resistance capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If additional components like stoppers and buffering members are added to protect against impact, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into the existing coil and magnet components. The coil serves both as the actuator for lens module driving and as the damping mechanism for impact protection. The magnet serves both for electromagnetic actuation and for interacting with the coil during impact events. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate buffering members and stoppers, reducing component count while maintaining impact resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If the lens module is allowed to move freely without damping, then ease of operation is improved, but impact resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens module movementVSAvoidimpact resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic damping control where the coil generates magnetic field forces adaptively based on the lens module's movement state. The control unit monitors lens module position and velocity, activating the coil to provide damping forces when movement exceeds predetermined thresholds or during impact events. This dynamic approach maintains free movement during normal operation while providing impact protection when needed, balancing ease of operation with reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 camera module achieves reduced size and impact resistance by controlling the lens module's movement speed through magnetic attraction, eliminating the need for additional components and reducing power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a coil facing the magnet, fixed to one side within the main frame, and generating an electric field as power is applied thereto

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric field generation: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

a yoke disposed to face the magnet with the main frame and the coil interposed therebetween and controlling driving of the lens module by attraction with the magnet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS9658514B2Camera module

Publication Date: 2017.05.23 SAMSUNG ELECTRO MECHANICS CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a camera module in which a movement of a magnet is controlled by only magnetic force between the magnet and a yoke without a spring for controlling the movement of the magnet which operates up and down. The camera module includes: a lens module; and a main frame supporting the lens module and allowing the lens module to be driven in an optical axis direction, wherein the lens module includes: a lens assembly including a plurality of lenses; and a magnet fixed to one side of the lens module, and the main frame includes: a coil facing the magnet, fixed to one side within the main frame, and generating an electric field as power is applied thereto; and a yoke disposed to face the magnet with the main frame and the coil interposed therebetween and controlling driving of the lens module by attraction with the magnet.