Camera Motor Base Layout for Thin Autofocus Camera Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional camera motor designs are too large in height, limiting their application in thin and light electronic devices such as mobile phones, and there is a need for a more compact design that can accommodate larger components to improve imaging quality.

Innovation Solution

A camera motor design with a recessed base featuring a receiving slot that accommodates the light filter module and image sensor, allowing a larger housing space and enabling a thinner, lighter camera module by integrating the sensor circuit board, and a drive mechanism that moves the lens along the optical axis for autofocus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If conventional motor design is used, then the camera module can achieve basic autofocus function, but the height in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis becomes too large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight of camera moduleVSAvoidautofocus function
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the traditional linear arrangement of camera components along the optical axis to an L-shaped configuration. The receiving slot extends in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, allowing components to be arranged in two dimensions. This dimensional change enables the camera module to achieve compact height while maintaining all necessary autofocus functions through spatial optimization rather than simply compressing the optical path.

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

2Length of moving object

If the camera module height is reduced, then thinner electronic devices can be achieved, but the housing space for light filter module and image sensor becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight of camera moduleVSAvoidhousing space for components
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving slot is designed to extend in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, creating an L-shaped structure. This allows the light filter module and image sensor to be arranged side-by-side in the horizontal direction rather than stacked vertically, effectively utilizing the lateral space. The dimensional transition enables sufficient housing area for large components while maintaining compact vertical height.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent integrates multiple components within the L-shaped receiving slot structure. The light filter module and image sensor are nested within the extended portion of the receiving slot, while the drive mechanism is positioned in the vertical portion. This nested arrangement maximizes space utilization, allowing large components to be accommodated within the compact overall footprint of the camera module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

The design effectively reduces the height of the camera module, enabling thinner and lighter electronic devices while improving imaging quality by allowing larger components and enhancing autofocus functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a drive member (30) connected to said carrying member (20), said drive member (30) configured to drive said carrying member (20) to move along said optical axis (X)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP4195648B1Camera motor, camera module and electronic device
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP4195648B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4195648B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4195648B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A camera motor (100), a camera module (1000) and an electronic device (2000). The camera motor (100) comprises a base (10), a bearing member (20), and a drive component (30). The bottom surface of the base (10) is recessed to form an accommodating groove (101), and the accommodating groove (101) penetrates through one side of the base (10). The accommodating groove (101) is used for accommodating at least one of a filter module (200), an image sensor (300) and a sensor circuit board (400) of the camera module (1000). The bearing member (20) is used for bearing a lens (500). The bearing member (20) is provided in the base (10) and can move in the base (10) along the optical axis (X) of the lens (500). The drive component (30) is connected to the bearing member (20) and used for driving the bearing member (20) to move in the base (10) along the optical axis (X) of the lens (500).