Camera Module OIS via Tilting Liquid Prism

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Solution Overview

Problem

In mobile devices, the limited space for camera modules poses challenges for implementing optical image stabilization (OIS) without compromising alignment or durability, as existing methods require movement of lenses and image sensors, which is not feasible due to spatial constraints.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design incorporating a prism part, a tilting part with a liquid optical layer, and a driving mechanism that adjusts the angle of the tilting part to change the optical path, allowing for OIS without moving optical elements, thus minimizing module size and improving resolution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If lens or image sensor is moved to implement OIS, then image stabilization is achieved, but module size increases and alignment/durability problems occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage stabilizationVSAvoidcamera module size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical movement of lenses or image sensors with a mirror that reflects light. By tilting the mirror, the optical path is redirected to compensate for camera shake, achieving OIS without moving any optical elements. This substitution of mechanical optical element movement with a reflective mechanism solves the contradiction between stabilization and module size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a mirror as an intermediary element between the light source and the image sensor. The mirror acts as a mediator that redirects light paths to achieve stabilization without requiring movement of the lens or sensor itself, thereby maintaining compact module dimensions while providing OIS functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If lens or image sensor is moved to implement OIS, then image stabilization is achieved, but alignment precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage stabilizationVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing the movement of precision optical elements (lens/sensor) with a mirror tilting mechanism, the patent eliminates the alignment precision problems associated with moving optical components. The mirror can be tilted within a limited angular range without affecting the optical quality or requiring precise alignment, thus maintaining manufacturing precision while achieving stabilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If lens or image sensor is moved to implement OIS, then image stabilization is achieved, but device durability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage stabilizationVSAvoidmodule durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the mechanical movement of fragile optical elements with a more durable mirror tilting mechanism. The mirror and its mounting structure can withstand repeated movements and vibrations better than precision optical elements, thereby improving the overall durability and lifespan of the camera module while maintaining OIS functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enables effective OIS implementation without the need for lens movement, minimizing the camera module's size and improving image resolution, while simplifying the module's design and avoiding alignment and durability issues.

Implementation Method 1

a prism part configured to convert incident light to parallel light in an optical axis direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

an optical liquid layer disposed in the groove of the first flat glass and formed of an optical liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP3816722B1Camera module
Publication Date: 2023.12.06 LG INNOTEK CO LTD
  • EP3816722B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2(c)
  • EP3816722B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3816722B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6B

AI summary

A camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a prism part configured to convert incident light to parallel light in an optical axis direction, a tilting part through which the parallel light passes and which changes an optical path of the parallel light by changing an angle of a surface through which the parallel light passes, a lens part configured to collect the parallel light of which the optical path is changed, and an image sensor part configured to convert the parallel light collected by the lens part to an electrical signal, wherein the tilting part is disposed between the prism part and the lens part.