Camera Module Segmented Lens Carriers for Autofocus and Stabilization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Camera modules in portable electronic devices face challenges in maintaining performance due to increased size and weight from added functions like autofocusing and optical image stabilization, which can interfere with stable operations.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design featuring a lens unit with a first carrier and a second carrier that move in different directions, utilizing ball groups and magnets/coils for precise movement, and a connection substrate for supporting these movements, allowing for improved focus adjustment and image stabilization without excessive weight increase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of lenses and moving units are increased to implement autofocusing and optical image stabilization functions, then the functional capabilities are improved, but the weight and size of the camera module increase, interfering with stable operations
Solution Approach 1:
The lens unit is divided into a first lens unit and a second lens unit that can move independently relative to each other along the optical axis. The first lens unit remains fixed while the second lens unit moves for focusing, allowing autofocus functionality without requiring the entire lens assembly to move, thus reducing the weight of the moving unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a first direction (optical axis direction) for movement of the second lens unit and a second direction (perpendicular to optical axis) for movement of the first lens unit. This multi-directional movement capability allows independent control of focusing and image stabilization functions, enabling versatile functionality while managing weight distribution.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of lenses and moving units are increased to implement autofocusing and optical image stabilization functions, then the functional capabilities are improved, but the size of the camera module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first lens unit and second lens unit are arranged in a nested configuration along the optical axis, with the second lens unit positioned within the space defined by the first lens unit. This nested arrangement allows both lens units to coexist in a compact volume while maintaining independent movement capabilities for focusing and stabilization functions.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the lens system into two independently movable units with different movement directions, the patent achieves complex functionality (autofocus + image stabilization) without requiring a single large moving assembly, thus reducing the overall volume of the camera module.
3Device complexity
If a single large moving unit is used for focusing and image stabilization, then the structural complexity is reduced, but the weight increases and stable operations are interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The moving system is segmented into a first moving unit (first lens unit) and a second moving unit (second lens unit), each with dedicated driving mechanisms. This segmentation allows the weight to be distributed across multiple smaller moving components rather than concentrated in a single large unit, reducing the weight impact on stability while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
By assigning different movement directions to different lens units (first direction for second lens unit, second direction for first lens unit), the patent creates independent movement channels that reduce the coupling between focusing and stabilization mechanisms, allowing each unit to be optimized for its specific function with reduced weight.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple ball groups are used for precise movement control, then the movement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different ball groups are strategically positioned at different locations within the lens unit assembly. The first ball group is located in a first region while the second ball group is located in a second region, with each group optimized for its specific local function. This localized arrangement provides precise movement control where needed while avoiding unnecessary complexity in other regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball groups are segmented and assigned to different moving units: the first ball group supports movement of the first lens unit while the second ball group supports movement of the second lens unit. This segmentation allows each ball group to be optimized for its specific movement requirements, achieving high precision without requiring all ball groups to be equally complex.
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 enhances calibration performance and enables a super macro function while reducing the weight of moving components, ensuring stable operations and improved correction performance during image capturing.
Implementation Method 1
a first magnet disposed on the first carrier between the first ball group and the second ball group, and a first coil mounted on the first substrate and facing the first magnet, wherein the first magnet and the first coil may form driving force for moving the first carrier in the optical axis direction
Implementation Method 2
a second magnet and a third magnet disposed on two different side surfaces of the second carrier, respectively, and a second coil and a third coil mounted on the second substrate and disposed in the housing so as to face the second and third magnets, respectively, wherein the second and third magnets and the second coil and third coils may form driving force for moving the second carrier in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis
Implementation Method 3
a first ball group and a second ball group spaced apart from each other in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, are included between the first carrier and the second carrier
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module includes a lens unit including at least one lens, a first carrier configured to accommodate a portion of the lens unit and move in an optical axis direction, a second carrier configured to accommodate the first carrier and move in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and a connection substrate disposed to surround a side surface of the second carrier, wherein a first ball group and a second ball group spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, are included between the first carrier and the second carrier, the number of balls of the first ball group is greater than the number of balls of the second ball group, and the connection substrate is disposed to surround the second carrier toward the second ball member.