Camera Module Shape-Memory Alloy Driving Wires

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity and size of camera modules in portable electronic devices increase due to the implementation of autofocusing and optical image stabilization functions, making miniaturization and integration challenging.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design utilizing shape-memory alloy driving wires to move a movable body within a support structure, maintaining an angle of 15.5° or less between the wires and the movable body, allowing for efficient movement in one or multiple axis directions, thereby reducing module size and enhancing integration capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional OIS driving methods are used, then optical image stabilization function is achieved, but camera module size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical image stabilization functionVSAvoidcamera module structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical OIS driving mechanisms with a magnetic driving system. Magnets are embedded in the movable body and driven by magnetic fields generated by drive coils, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages, gears, and traditional motors. This substitution significantly simplifies the overall camera module structure while maintaining effective optical image stabilization functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes unnecessary mechanical intermediate components from the OIS driving system. By directly applying magnetic fields to move the movable body containing the lens, the design eliminates intermediate mechanical transmission elements such as gears, belts, and mechanical linkages that would otherwise be required, thereby reducing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If traditional OIS driving methods are used, then optical image stabilization function is achieved, but camera module size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical image stabilization functionVSAvoidcamera module size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces bulky mechanical OIS driving components with compact magnetic driving elements. The magnetic fields generated by small drive coils can effectively move the movable body, eliminating the need for large mechanical motors and transmission mechanisms, thereby significantly reducing the overall camera module volume while maintaining stabilization performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of the driving system from mechanical force to magnetic field interaction. This parameter change enables the use of much smaller components to achieve the same driving effect, as magnetic fields can be generated and controlled with minimal space, directly contributing to camera module miniaturization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Volume of moving object

If shape-memory alloy driving wires are used with angle ≤15.5°, then miniaturization is enabled, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera module sizeVSAvoiddriving wire angle control

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the shape-memory alloy's unique phase transformation properties to change the state of the driving wires between contracted and relaxed conditions. This parameter change in material state enables precise control of the movable body position and driving wire angle, allowing the angle to be maintained at 15.5° or less while accommodating manufacturing variations through the material's inherent memory effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs shape-memory alloy, a composite material combining nickel and titanium, to create driving wires with special functional properties. This composite material provides both the mechanical strength needed for driving and the precise angle control capability, as the alloy's phase transformation naturally maintains the desired geometric relationship between the wire and movable body within manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

Enables the miniaturization of camera modules by allowing the movable body to move effectively within a compact space, reducing manufacturing costs and improving integration with portable electronic devices while maintaining the necessary optical functions.

Implementation Method 1

each of the driving wires being made of a shape-memory alloy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory effect: Shape Memory Alloy

Data Source

PatentUS11454863B2Camera module

Publication Date: 2022.09.27 SAMSUNG ELECTRO MECHANICS CO LTD

AI summary

A camera module includes a support structure having an internal space, a movable body disposed in the internal space of the support structure, and a plurality of driving wires supporting the movable body in the internal space of the support structure and configured to move the movable body relative to the support structure, each of the driving wires being made of a shape-memory alloy and having one end connected to the support structure, and another end connected to the movable body. An angle between the movable body and each of the driving wire is maintained at 15.5° or less at all positions to which the movable body is movable by the driving wires.