Camera Module Shock Absorber Layout for Stable Optical Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera modules face challenges in effectively stabilizing optical components and reducing shock transmission during movement, particularly when using ball bearings or suspension wires for actuation.

Innovation Solution

The camera module incorporates a first actuator with a carrier and guide, and a second actuator with a carrier and stopper, featuring a shock absorber between the guide and stopper to manage shock transmission and restrict movement, enhancing stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If ball bearings are used to enable sliding movement of optical components, then movement smoothness is improved, but shock transmission and mechanical noise increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement smoothnessVSAvoidshock transmission and mechanical noise
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A shock absorber is introduced as an intermediary component between the actuator and the optical assembly. This shock absorber mediates the interaction by absorbing shocks and reducing mechanical noise while still allowing the optical assembly to move smoothly along the guide rail, thus resolving the contradiction between movement smoothness and shock transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If suspension wires are used to actuate the optical image stabilizer, then actuation flexibility is improved, but shock resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuation flexibilityVSAvoidshock resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The shock absorber is positioned in advance between the actuator and the optical assembly to provide cushioning before shocks can reach the optical components. This beforehand cushioning protects the optical assembly from shock damage while maintaining the flexibility of the suspension wire actuation system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the optical assembly is allowed to move freely for stabilization, then image stabilization performance is improved, but mechanical noise increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage stabilization performanceVSAvoidmechanical noise
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shock absorber serves as a mediator that allows the optical assembly to move freely for image stabilization while simultaneously reducing mechanical noise. It provides a controlled environment for movement, enabling the optical assembly to adjust position for stabilization without generating excessive noise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 configuration effectively reduces shock transmission and stabilizes optical components, improving the performance and durability of the camera module.

Implementation Method 1

a shock absorber provided in the first carrier and configured to reduce a shock transmitted to the guide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShock absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 2

the optical image stabilizer and the autofocus device may be configured to slide by ball bearings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBall bearing: Ball Bearing

Implementation Method 3

the autofocus device may be configured to be guided by a spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP4254060B1Camera module and electronic device comprising same
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4254060B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4254060B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4254060B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A camera module includes an optical assembly, a first actuator configured to actuate the optical assembly in a first direction, the first actuator including a first carrier, a guide configured to guide the first carrier, and a shock absorber provided in the first carrier and configured to reduce a shock transmitted to the guide, and a second actuator configured to actuate the optical assembly in a second direction different from the first direction, the second actuator including a second carrier spaced apart from the first carrier, and a stopper provided in the second carrier and configured to restrict a movement of the second carrier, wherein the shock absorber is provided between the guide and the stopper.