Camera Shutter Driving Mechanism With Collision-Protected Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge lies in reducing the size of shutter or aperture mechanisms in camera modules of electronic devices while preventing damage from external collisions, as existing mechanisms are prone to damage and difficult to miniaturize.

Innovation Solution

A driving mechanism comprising a base, movable unit, movable part, first and second driving assemblies, and contact/protrusion or recess configurations that allow controlled movement and alignment of optical elements, utilizing magnetic fields to manage positions and prevent collisions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the shutter or aperture mechanism is miniaturized to reduce device size, then the device becomes more compact and thin, but the mechanism becomes more prone to damage from external collisions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesize of shutter mechanismVSAvoiddurability against collision
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by providing a protective housing that surrounds the movable unit and optical element before any collision can occur. The housing includes a protective structure that actively prevents external objects from directly contacting and damaging the delicate miniaturized components, thus counteracting the vulnerability created by miniaturization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements beforehand cushioning through the protective housing structure that absorbs and dissipates collision forces before they can reach the fragile optical elements. The housing acts as a cushioning barrier that protects the miniaturized mechanism from damage during external impacts

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

2Length of stationary object

If the shutter or aperture mechanism is miniaturized, then the device thickness is reduced, but the mechanism becomes more difficult to manufacture with precision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice thicknessVSAvoidalignment precision of optical elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the movable unit and optical element into an integrated assembly where the optical element is positioned within the movable unit. This integration ensures that both components move together as a unified structure, maintaining precise relative positioning and alignment while enabling miniaturization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The movable unit serves multiple functions: it holds the optical element, provides structural support, enables controlled movement, and maintains precise alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate precision alignment mechanisms, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the movable mechanism is made more robust to prevent damage, then durability improves, but the device size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against damageVSAvoidcomplexity of protective structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a protective housing that functions as a flexible shell surrounding the movable unit. This shell provides comprehensive protection against collisions and external damage while maintaining a compact form factor. The housing structure protects vulnerable components without requiring complex internal reinforcement mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS11991436B2Driving mechanism
Publication Date: 2024.05.21 ACTUTEK CORP
  • US11991436B2 patent drawing
  • US11991436B2 patent drawing
  • US11991436B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A driving mechanism is provided, including a base, a movable unit, and a movable part. The movable unit is movably disposed on the base and connected to an optical element. The movable part is movably disposed on the base and forms a passage. When the movable part moves from the first position to the second position relative to the base, the movable unit can slide relative to the base from its initial position through the passage to a closed position.