Camera Module Solenoid Actuation for Blur Compensation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera modules face challenges in minimizing power consumption and camera size due to the need for large piezoelectric elements to compensate for camera vibrations, which result in increased volume and power usage.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design featuring a solenoid with a post that moves between positions to interact with an image detecting unit, utilizing magnetic flux variation generated by coils and magnets to position the unit, allowing for reduced power consumption and smaller size by moving the image detecting unit rather than adjusting the lens.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If piezoelectric elements are used to drive the image detecting unit, then blur compensation is achieved, but the camera volume increases due to large piezoelectric elements being required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblur compensationVSAvoidcamera volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical piezoelectric drive system with an electromagnetic driving system consisting of coils and magnets. This substitution allows for more efficient force generation with smaller components, resolving the contradiction between achieving blur compensation and minimizing camera volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the driving mechanism from piezoelectric to electromagnetic, fundamentally altering the physical parameters of the drive system. This enables achieving the same motion function with different dimensional characteristics, specifically reducing the required component size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If piezoelectric elements are used to drive the image detecting unit, then blur compensation is achieved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblur compensationVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the piezoelectric mechanical system with an electromagnetic system that offers better energy efficiency. The electromagnetic coils and magnets provide the necessary driving force with lower power consumption compared to piezoelectric elements of equivalent size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnetic driving system operates through periodic activation of coils to move the image detecting unit in discrete steps, allowing for efficient energy usage compared to the continuous power requirement of piezoelectric elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If the driving part is powered continuously to suppress vibration, then blur compensation is maintained, but power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration suppressionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic activation of the electromagnetic driving system based on detected vibration or motion conditions. The system activates only when needed for compensation, rather than operating continuously, thereby maintaining vibration suppression functionality while dramatically reducing overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from motion detection to control the activation of the driving part. When vibration or camera movement is detected, the system activates the electromagnetic drivers to compensate; when no motion is detected, the system remains inactive, optimizing power usage based on real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 power consumption and camera size by using magnetic interactions to position the image detecting unit, preventing blur without affecting image quality and minimizing the volume of camera components.

Implementation Method 1

Magnetic flux variation is generated between the first coil and the first magnet by providing voltage to the first coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic flux variation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a solenoid having a post moving between a first position and a second position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolenoid actuation: Solenoid

Implementation Method 3

a first Hall element disposed on the frame adjacent to the first coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentUS7493029B2Camera module

Publication Date: 2009.02.17 ASIA OPTICAL INT LTD

AI summary

A camera module comprises a base, a lens joined to the base, a frame movably disposed on the base, an image detecting unit fixed to the frame and moving on the base via the frame, and a solenoid having a post moving between a first position and a second position. When the image detecting unit moves on the base via the frame, the post is in the first position and has no contact with the image detecting unit. When the image detecting unit moves on the base not via the frame, the post is in the second position and abuts the image detecting unit to position the image detecting unit.