CLAF Lens Moving Structure for Autofocus Oscillation Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voice coil motor (VCM) technology is difficult to apply to subminiature, low-power camera modules, particularly in miniaturized and multifunctional cameras for smartphones, leading to challenges in suppressing oscillations during autofocus operations.
Innovation Solution
A lens moving apparatus with a closed loop auto focus module (CLAF) design that includes a housing, bobbin, coil, magnet, elastic member, and damper, where the elastic member generates asymmetric elastic forces to inhibit oscillations, and features a symmetrical connector and damper arrangement to enhance stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If VCM technology is applied to miniaturized camera modules, then device size is reduced, but oscillation suppression during AF operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the damper at specific locations that are not symmetrically distributed around the optical axis. The damper is placed closer to the third and fourth sides than to the first and second sides, creating an asymmetric damping configuration that effectively suppresses oscillations while maintaining miniaturization. This asymmetric arrangement allows targeted damping of specific oscillation modes without requiring symmetric placement that would increase overall device volume.
2Stability of the object's composition
If damper is positioned to suppress oscillations, then AF operation stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the damper structure with the existing elastic member and housing components. The damper is integrated into the connector region where the elastic member connects to the housing, combining multiple functions (elastic support, damping, and structural connection) into a unified assembly. This integration approach improves AF operation stability while avoiding the need for separate, complex damping mechanisms that would increase device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper acts as an intermediary element between the elastic member and the housing. It is disposed at the connector region, mediating the interaction between these components to provide oscillation suppression. The damper includes a first portion connected to the elastic member and a second portion connected to the housing, creating an intermediate damping layer that simplifies the overall system by providing a dedicated oscillation control mechanism without requiring complex modifications to the primary structural components.
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 CLAF module effectively suppresses oscillations during autofocus, improving photographing speed, autofocus speed, and image quality in smartphone cameras by increasing the difference between resonant frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member coupled both to the housing and to the bobbin
Implementation Method 2
a damper disposed both at the elastic member and at the housing
Implementation Method 3
a coil disposed on the bobbin, a magnet disposed on the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A lens moving apparatus is provided, including a housing, a bobbin disposed inside the housing, a coil disposed around the bobbin, a magnet disposed in the housing, an elastic member coupled to the housing and the bobbin, and a damper disposed on the elastic member and the housing. The elastic member includes an inner part coupled to the bobbin, an outer part coupled to the housing, and a connection part for coupling the inner part and the outer part. The connection part is disposed on first to fourth quadrants of a plane having a first axis and a second axis, and is symmetrical with reference to the first axis. The plane includes first and second sides facing each other in a direction in parallel to the first axis and third and fourth sides facing each other in a direction in parallel to the second axis.