Camera Module 3D Image Stabilization via SMA Flexible Members

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera modules with image stabilization functions are limited in their ability to effectively counteract shakes that are not perpendicular to the plane of the lens, resulting in poor image stabilization performance.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design featuring two movable blocks and a plurality of electrically controlled flexible members, such as SMA wires, that allow the lens to rotate around three axes, enabling better adjustment and stabilization by suspending the lens optical device between the movable blocks and connecting them with elastic members and flexible members that can stretch or contract to compensate for displacement and rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the actuating part is limited to adjusting the lens in the plane perpendicular to light, then the structure is simple, but the image stabilization effect is poor when shake direction is not perpendicular to the light plane

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage stabilization effectVSAvoidactuating part structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the actuating capability from two-dimensional movement (perpendicular to light plane) to three-dimensional movement by adding a third dimension. The lens is suspended on three movable blocks that can move independently in three-dimensional space, allowing compensation for shake directions at any angle, not just those perpendicular to the light plane.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The actuating part is divided into three independent movable blocks, each capable of moving independently in three-dimensional space. This segmentation allows each block to handle specific components of the shake vector, enabling comprehensive stabilization coverage through coordinated movement of the individual blocks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the lens is suspended on three movable blocks with electrically controlled flexible members, then the lens can rotate around three axes for better stabilization, but the device thickness and internal space usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage stabilization effectVSAvoiddevice thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs electrically controlled flexible members (such as SMA wires or shape memory alloy elements) to connect the movable blocks to the lens suspension structure. These flexible members enable precise control of the movable blocks' positions while maintaining a compact form factor, as they can be routed through thin profiles and still provide the necessary actuation force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The three movable blocks are arranged in a nested configuration within the camera module housing, with the lens suspension structure integrated into the existing camera assembly. The flexible members are routed through the available space efficiently, utilizing the existing structural volume rather than adding external protrusions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the lens optical device is fastened on two movable blocks, then the lens can move in multiple dimensions for better adjustment, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens movement capabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The movable blocks serve multiple functions: they act as suspension points for the lens, provide actuation mechanisms for three-dimensional movement, and serve as mounting points for the flexible members. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the lens suspension structure with the actuating mechanism into an integrated assembly. The movable blocks are designed to incorporate both the suspension function and the actuation interface, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets and actuation linkages that would otherwise be required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 the image stabilization effect by allowing the lens to move in multiple dimensions, improving the clarity of photographs taken while reducing the device's thickness and internal space usage.

Implementation Method 1

Each movable block 21 is suspended on the fastening brackets 22 by using elastic members 3

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of electrically controlled flexible members 23... Each movable block 21 and the fastening brackets 22 on the two sides are connected by the electrically controlled flexible members 23

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShape memory alloy effect: Shape Memory Alloy

Data Source

PatentEP3849169B1Camera assembly and terminal device
Publication Date: 2024.01.17 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3849169B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3849169B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3849169B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a camera module and a terminal device, and belongs to the field of optical image stabilization technologies. The camera module includes a lens optical device and an actuating part. The actuating part includes two movable blocks, fastening brackets located on two sides of each movable block, and a plurality of electrically controlled flexible members. The lens optical device is located between the two movable blocks, and is fastened on the two movable blocks. Each movable block is suspended on the fastening brackets by using elastic members. Each movable block and the fastening brackets on the two sides are connected by the electrically controlled flexible members. The present invention can improve an image stabilization effect of a terminal device in a photographing process.