Camera Module Coil-Sensor Layout for Accurate OIS Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing voice coil motor (VCM) technology is difficult to apply to subminiature, low-power camera modules, particularly in miniaturized and multifunctional cameras for mobile devices, necessitating improved performance for autofocusing and optical image stabilization.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design incorporating a stationary part with a magnet, a movable part with a first circuit board, a coil facing the magnet, and a position sensor positioned to avoid overlap with the coil, utilizing an elastic support member to ensure accurate OIS feedback operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the position sensor is disposed close to the magnet for accurate OIS feedback, then measurement precision is improved, but the coil and position sensor may overlap causing mechanical interference

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveOIS feedback accuracyVSAvoidMechanical interference between coil and position sensor
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer introduces a new spatial dimension (vertical separation) to resolve the horizontal overlap conflict. By positioning the position sensor above the spacer and the coil below the spacer, the design achieves three-dimensional spatial separation that eliminates mechanical interference while preserving the close proximity needed for accurate magnetic field detection and OIS feedback.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The spacer acts as an intermediary component that mediates the spatial relationship between the coil and position sensor. This intermediate element provides the necessary physical separation and structural support, enabling both components to maintain their optimal positions without direct contact or interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If the camera module is miniaturized to reduce size, then volume is reduced, but it becomes difficult to apply existing VCM technology and maintain OIS performance

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCamera module sizeVSAvoidOIS operation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The design employs a nested arrangement where the position sensor is positioned above the spacer, the coil is below the spacer, and the magnet is at the bottom, creating a compact vertical stack. This nested doll-like structure allows multiple functional components to be arranged in three-dimensional space within a minimized footprint, enabling miniaturization while maintaining OIS functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

By transitioning from a planar two-dimensional layout to a three-dimensional vertical arrangement, the design achieves miniaturization. The spacer enables vertical stacking of components (sensor-spacer-coil-magnet), utilizing the third dimension to reduce the horizontal footprint while preserving component functionality and OIS performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Power

If the coil and position sensor are positioned to face each other for electromagnetic interaction, then OIS drive capability is improved, but mechanical interference and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveOIS drive capabilityVSAvoidAlignment precision and manufacturing difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer serves as a precision-engineered intermediary that pre-establishes the correct spacing and alignment between the coil and position sensor. By incorporating alignment features and precise dimensional tolerances in the spacer, the design reduces manufacturing complexity compared to directly aligning the coil and sensor, while maintaining optimal electromagnetic interaction for OIS drive capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables reliable and accurate optical image stabilization (OIS) feedback, enhancing autofocus performance and reducing mechanical interference in miniaturized camera modules.

Implementation Method 1

the movable part is moved in a direction perpendicular to an optical-axis direction by the interaction between the magnet and the coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interaction: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

a position sensor disposed on the first circuit board... such that at least a portion thereof is disposed in the hole of the spacer and overlaps the magnet in an optical-axis direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field sensing: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250267369A1Camera module and optical device including the same capable of performing accurate OIS feedback operation
Publication Date: 2025.08.21 LG INNOTEK CO LTD
  • US20250267369A1 patent drawing
  • US20250267369A1 patent drawing
  • US20250267369A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A camera module including a stationary part including a magnet, a movable part having a first circuit board disposed so as to be spaced apart from the stationary part, a holder disposed on the first circuit board, a coil disposed on the holder so as to face the magnet, and a position sensor disposed on the first circuit board so as to face the magnet. A support member is coupled both to the stationary part and to the movable part. The movable part is configured to be moved in a direction perpendicular to an optical-axis direction by the interaction between the magnet and the coil, and the coil does not overlap the position sensor in the direction perpendicular to the optical-axis direction.