Camera Module Ball Bearings With Polymer Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ball-type actuators in camera modules are prone to surface damage due to external impacts, which can lead to driving failures and surface deformation, particularly because of the hard ceramic materials used in traditional ball bearings.
Innovation Solution
The camera module incorporates autofocusing (AF) and optical image stabilization (OIS) ball bearings made of polymer materials with an elastic modulus of 20 GPa or less, which are either organic or contain inorganic fillers, to reduce the likelihood of surface damage from impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional ceramic ball bearings are used in the ball-type actuator, then the driving precision and load-bearing capacity are improved, but the surface damage and deformation occur due to external impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the ball bearing from traditional hard ceramic material to polymer material with specific elastic modulus (20 GPa or less). This parameter change allows the ball bearing to maintain driving precision while reducing surface damage from impacts, as the polymer material can deform elastically and absorb impact energy without causing permanent surface deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structure by using polymer material (which can be organic or contain inorganic fillers) for the ball bearing. This composite approach combines the benefits of polymer elasticity for impact resistance with potential filler enhancements for mechanical strength, resolving the contradiction between precision and impact resistance.
2Strength
If hard ceramic materials are used for ball bearings, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the surface scratches and deformation occur on camera module components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material hardness parameter by selecting polymer materials with elastic modulus of 20 GPa or less, which is significantly softer than traditional ceramic ball bearings. This parameter change reduces the harmful effect of surface scratches while maintaining adequate load-bearing capacity through the material's elastic properties and appropriate design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of softer material into a benefit by utilizing the elastic deformation capability of polymer materials. When subjected to external impacts, the polymer ball bearing deforms elastically to absorb impact energy, preventing the transmission of harmful forces that would cause surface scratches, thus converting what could be a weakness into a protective feature.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If polymer material with low elastic modulus is used for ball bearings, then the surface damage is reduced, but the load-bearing capacity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by using composite polymer materials that can include inorganic fillers. The polymer matrix provides elasticity and impact resistance, while the inorganic fillers enhance the mechanical strength and load-bearing capacity, achieving both reduced surface damage and maintained load-bearing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by designing the ball bearing with non-uniform properties - the polymer material provides elastic compliance for impact resistance, while strategic incorporation of inorganic fillers or reinforcement in specific regions enhances load-bearing capacity where needed, achieving both protection and strength.
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 use of polymer-based ball bearings with reduced elastic modulus prevents surface deformation and scratches on the camera module components, thereby enhancing the reliability and longevity of the autofocusing and image stabilization mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
Either one or both of the AF ball bearing and the OIS ball bearing have an elastic modulus of 20 GPa or less, and contain a polymer material
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module includes a housing, a carrier, a frame, a lens holder, an autofocusing (AF) ball bearing, and an optical image stabilization (OIS) ball bearing. The carrier is coupled to the housing and configured to move in an optical axis direction. The frame is coupled to the carrier and configured to move in a first axis direction, perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The lens holder is coupled to the frame and configured to move in a second axis direction, perpendicular to the optical axis and the first axis. The AF ball bearing is disposed between the housing and the carrier. The OIS ball bearing is disposed on either one or both of the carrier and the frame, and the frame and the lens holder. Either one or both of the AF ball bearing and the OIS ball bearing have an elastic modulus of 20 GPa or less.