Camera Snubber Assembly for Precision Optics Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Miniature cameras, such as those in cellular telephones, face limitations in low light conditions and pixel count due to fixed focus and small apertures, which restrict their use and require large mechanisms for variable focus, making it challenging to control motion in miniature optics.
Innovation Solution
A snubber assembly that controls the motion of a stage in six degrees of freedom, allowing for precise focusing and zooming while inhibiting misalignment and shock, by using mesas and shims to limit motion in five degrees of freedom and facilitate movement in one translational degree, reducing manufacturing precision and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If variable focus mechanisms are used to enable focusing in miniature cameras, then focusing capability is improved, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical focus control mechanisms with a piezoelectric actuator that uses electrical fields to directly deform a lens element or move optical components, enabling variable focus in a miniature camera without large mechanical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters by using piezoelectric material properties (electromechanical coupling) to convert electrical signals into precise mechanical displacements, enabling continuous focus adjustment through voltage control rather than mechanical gear systems
2Stability of the object's composition
If small aperture is used in fixed focus cameras, then depth of field is improved, but low light performance and resolution deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static aperture and focus system into a dynamic one where the aperture size and focal length can be adjusted in real-time based on lighting conditions and subject distance, allowing the camera to optimize between depth of field and light intake rather than being fixed
3Manufacturing precision
If precision manufacturing is applied to snubber assembly, then motion control precision is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-aligning features where the stage assembly and snubber assembly have complementary geometric features (such as tapered surfaces or keyed interfaces) that automatically position components correctly during assembly, eliminating the need for high-precision machining of all surfaces and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining motion control accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for limiting the motion of components such as the optics of a camera are disclosed. The system can comprise a stage and a snubber assembly for controlling motion of the stage in six degrees of freedom. For example, the snubber assembly can permit movement in one translational degree of freedom while substantially limiting motion in the other five degrees of motion so as to facilitate focusing and/or zooming of a camera while inhibiting misalignment of the optics and while providing some protection against shock and vibration. Such motion control can be achieved while mitigating costs associated with precision manufacturing of the snubber assembly.