Camera Image Sensor Inversion for Compact OIS

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera modules require larger magnets and higher electric currents to move lens assemblies for image stabilization, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially as the number and size of lenses increase.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design that moves the image sensor instead of the lens assembly, using a smaller magnet and lower current consumption, with a drive system comprising coils and magnets to achieve image stabilization, and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) for supporting circuit board movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a lens assembly is moved to perform image stabilization, then image stabilization function is achieved, but the magnet size and electric current consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage stabilization functionVSAvoidelectric current consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of moving the lens assembly as in conventional OIS systems, this patent moves the image sensor in the opposite direction to achieve image stabilization. The image sensor is mounted on a movable platform that can be displaced by electromagnetic actuators, while the lens assembly remains stationary. This inversion of the moving component fundamentally reduces the mass that needs to be accelerated, thereby reducing the electromagnetic force and current consumption required for stabilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical lens-driven stabilization system with an electromagnetic actuation system that directly moves the image sensor. By using electromagnetic forces instead of mechanical lens movement mechanisms, the system achieves more efficient actuation with lower power consumption and reduced mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a lens assembly is moved to perform image stabilization, then image stabilization function is achieved, but the magnet size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage stabilization functionVSAvoidmagnet size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by moving the image sensor instead of the lens assembly. Since the image sensor has much smaller mass than the lens assembly, the electromagnetic actuators require significantly smaller magnets to generate the necessary force for stabilization, directly addressing the magnet size issue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of what is being moved in the stabilization system. By switching from moving heavy lens components to moving the lightweight image sensor, the required electromagnetic force parameters change dramatically, allowing for smaller magnet sizes while maintaining stabilization effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If the image sensor is moved instead of the lens assembly, then energy efficiency and compactness are improved, but the circuit board movement support complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidcircuit board movement support

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) to connect the image sensor circuitry while allowing the image sensor to move during stabilization operations. The FPCB's flexibility enables it to accommodate the sensor's displacement without breaking electrical connections, elegantly solving the complexity issue of supporting circuit board movement while maintaining energy efficiency benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 achieves compactness and high energy efficiency while maintaining effective image stabilization, reducing the weight and power requirements of the camera module.

Implementation Method 1

The coil to which an electric current is applied may electromagnetically interact with the magnet to generate an electromagnetic force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS12108132B2Camera having movable image sensor and electronic device including the same

Publication Date: 2024.10.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device including a camera module is provided. The camera module includes a lens assembly including a lens, a lens holder in which the lens assembly is fixedly disposed, a sensor carrier that includes an image sensor at least partially aligned with an optical axis of the lens and a circuit board electrically connected with the image sensor and that moves in a first axial direction perpendicular to the optical axis and a second axial direction perpendicular to the optical axis and the first axial direction, a fixed substrate adjacent to the sensor carrier and fixed in a specified position, and a connecting member that extends from the circuit board to the fixed substrate and that extends to surround at least three interconnected edges of the circuit board when viewed in a direction of the optical axis.