Camera Module With Movable Reflective Member for Compact Zoom
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and complexity of electronic devices due to the need for multiple independent camera modules to provide diverse shooting functions, which increases the overall cost and volume.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design that integrates multiple lenses into one module using a reflective member and a driving assembly, allowing the reflective member to move between different positions to direct light rays to a shared image sensor, enabling various shooting functions while reducing costs and volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent camera modules are arranged to meet different shooting needs, then shooting function diversity is improved, but device cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple camera modules with different focal lengths into a single integrated module. Multiple lenses are arranged around a shared image sensor, and a reflective member directs light from different lenses to the same sensor, replacing the conventional approach of using multiple independent camera modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective member serves multiple functions: it directs light from different lenses to the image sensor, enables switching between different focal lengths, and allows a single image sensor to perform the function of multiple sensors. This multi-functional component reduces overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent camera modules are arranged to provide diverse shooting functions, then shooting capability is improved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where multiple lenses are positioned around a central optical path, and the reflective member is integrated within the lens group structure. The image sensor serves as the common endpoint for all optical paths, creating a compact nested configuration that reduces overall volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective member changes the direction of light paths, allowing lenses to be arranged in a two-dimensional plane around the sensor rather than requiring linear arrangement. This dimensional change enables more compact packaging of multiple lenses and optical paths.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a reflective member is introduced to increase light path length for telephoto function, then telephoto shooting capability is improved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective member folds the optical path by changing the direction of light propagation. Instead of extending the optical path in a straight line which would increase volume, the reflective member creates a folded path within a compact space, enabling telephoto functionality without proportionally increasing device volume.
4Adaptability or versatility
If lenses are made movable to achieve zooming function, then shooting versatility is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the lenses to achieve zooming, the patent inverts the approach by moving the reflective member to switch between different lenses. The lenses remain fixed in position, and the reflective member's movement relative to the lenses and sensor achieves the zooming effect, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements.
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 reduces the cost and volume of camera modules, allows for telephoto and ultra-telephoto shooting, and implements step-wise optical zoom, improving shooting quality and user experience while maintaining reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The reflective member is configured to reflect light rays focused by at least one of the plurality of lenses to the image sensor
Implementation Method 2
The driving assembly is configured to drive the reflective member to move. In other words, the driving assembly can drive the reflective member to move between different positions
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module includes a lens group, an image sensor, a reflective member, and a driving assembly. The lens group includes a plurality of lenses, the reflective member is configured to reflect, to the image sensor, light rays focused by at least one of the plurality of lenses, and the driving assembly is configured to drive the reflective member to move. An electronic device includes the camera module mounted on a housing.