Camera Module Segmented Carrier Design for Autofocus Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Camera modules in portable devices face performance deterioration due to increased size and weight from additional operations, which affects driving stability during focus adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design featuring a lens unit, a first carrier moving in the optical axis direction, and a second carrier moving on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, with a base and guide grooves, along with electromagnetic drivers and position sensors, to support movement and reduce weight during focus adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional operations (autofocus, image stabilization, zoom) are added to the camera module, then the performance and functionality of the camera module increase, but the size and weight of the camera module increase, which deteriorates driving stability during focus adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The camera module is divided into separate functional components: a lens unit, a first carrier for autofocus movement, a second carrier for image stabilization movement, and a base. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling the camera module to achieve multiple operations (autofocus, image stabilization, zoom) while keeping the weight of each moving part optimized for its specific purpose, thereby maintaining driving stability during focus adjustment
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional operations (autofocus, image stabilization, zoom) are added to the camera module, then the performance and functionality of the camera module increase, but the size of the camera module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first carrier is disposed inside the second carrier, which in turn is disposed inside the base. This nested arrangement allows the lens unit to perform autofocus movement within the first carrier while the second carrier provides image stabilization at a different movement scale. The nesting structure enables multiple operations (autofocus, image stabilization, zoom) to be integrated in a compact form factor, increasing functionality without proportionally increasing the overall camera module size
3Adaptability or versatility
If the weight of the camera module increases, then more operations can be supported, but driving stability during focus adjustment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the camera module into separate carriers with distinct functions (first carrier for autofocus, second carrier for image stabilization), the patent optimizes the weight distribution so that only the necessary components move during focus adjustment. This segmentation maintains driving stability by minimizing the moving mass during autofocus operations while still supporting additional operations like image stabilization through the nested second carrier
4Adaptability or versatility
If components are moved in the optical axis direction for focus adjustment, then autofocus functionality is achieved, but power consumption increases due to the weight of moved components
Solution Approach 1:
The first carrier is designed to move only in the optical axis direction for autofocus operations, while the second carrier handles image stabilization movements. This segmentation allows the system to minimize the weight of components moved during autofocus by excluding the image stabilization mechanism from the first carrier's moving mass, thereby reducing power consumption during focus adjustment while maintaining both autofocus and image stabilization functionalities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs electromagnetic actuators that can dynamically control the movement of the first and second carriers. The electromagnetic actuators adjust the driving force based on the actual movement requirements, enabling efficient power usage by applying force only when and where needed, thus reducing overall power consumption while maintaining autofocus functionality
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
Improves driving stability during focus adjustment while minimizing the weight of components moved in the optical axis direction, reducing power consumption and maintaining performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first magnet disposed on a first surface of the first carrier; and a first coil disposed on the second carrier to face the first magnet in a direction, perpendicular to the optical axis direction, wherein the first carrier is moved in the optical axis direction by an electromagnetic force generated by the first magnet and the first coil
Implementation Method 2
a second magnet and a third magnet, disposed on a first surface of the second carrier; and a second coil and a third coil, disposed on the base to respectively face the second magnet and the third magnet in the optical axis direction, wherein the second carrier is configured to move in a first direction and a second direction, perpendicular to the optical axis direction, based on an electromagnetic force generated by the second magnet and the third magnet and the second coil and the third coil
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of balls that guide a movement of the second carrier on the plane, perpendicular to the optical axis, are disposed between the second carrier and the base
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module is provided. The camera module includes a lens unit including at least one lens; a first carrier which accommodates the lens unit and is configured to move in an optical axis direction; a second carrier which accommodates the first carrier and is configured to move on a plane, perpendicular to an optical axis; and a base on which the second carrier is disposed, wherein a plurality of balls that guide a movement of the second carrier on the plane, perpendicular to the optical axis, are disposed between the second carrier and the base.