Folded Camera Module Layout With Shared Optical Path Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current camera modules with multiple lenses for high optical zoom magnification are bulky due to the need for separate optical path folding components for each lens, hindering the miniaturization and thinning of electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design that utilizes a shared second optical path folding element for both the first and third optical path folding elements, allowing optical path folding for light from two optical lens assemblies, reducing the need for separate folding elements and optimizing space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate optical path folding elements are configured for each lens to achieve high optical zoom magnification, then image quality and optical zoom performance are improved, but the camera module volume increases and internal space utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical path folding functions by sharing a common optical path folding element between multiple lenses. Instead of having separate folding elements for each lens, the design combines them into a shared structure that serves multiple optical paths simultaneously, thereby reducing the overall camera module volume while maintaining the necessary optical zoom capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The shared optical path folding element is designed to perform multiple functions by serving different lenses and optical paths. This universal component can fold optical paths for multiple lenses, enabling high optical zoom magnification across different focal lengths without requiring dedicated folding elements for each lens, thus reducing volume while preserving image quality
2Measurement precision
If separate optical path folding elements are configured for each lens, then optical path folding performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical path folding functions into a single shared optical path folding element. This merging approach reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure while still achieving the necessary optical path folding for multiple lenses, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining optical zoom performance
Solution Approach 2:
The shared optical path folding element is designed as a universal component that can handle multiple optical paths and lenses. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate folding elements for each lens, simplifying the overall structure and reducing complexity while preserving the ability to achieve high optical zoom magnification across different focal lengths
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 effectively reduces the volume of the camera module, facilitating miniaturization and thinning of the device while maintaining high optical zoom magnification and image quality.
Implementation Method 1
The first optical path folding element has M1 first reflective surfaces, and the M1 first reflective surfaces face the second optical path folding element. The second optical path folding element has M2 second reflective surfaces, and the M2 second reflective surfaces face the first optical path folding element. The light from the first optical lens assembly is reflected between the M1 first reflective surfaces and the M2 second reflective surfaces, to perform optical path folding
Data Source
AI summary
Example camera modules and terminal devices are provided. In one example camera module, both a first optical lens assembly and a second optical lens assembly may be configured to receive light from a photographed object. A first optical path folding element and a third optical path folding element are respectively located on two sides of a second optical path folding element. The first optical path folding element can cooperate with the second optical path folding element to perform optical path folding on light from the first optical lens assembly and focus the light on a first image sensor. The third optical path folding element can cooperate with the second optical path folding element to perform optical path folding on light from the second optical lens assembly and focus the light on a second image sensor.