Compact Camera Aperture Module with Stacked Blades and SMA Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical apertures used in general digital cameras are unsuitable for portable electronic devices due to their large size and complexity, posing challenges for down-sizing and thinning applications.
Innovation Solution
A compact aperture module featuring a rotation plate with stacked blades and a shape memory alloy (SMA) wire mechanism that adjusts the aperture size electronically, allowing for variable light incidence without overlapping blades within the same stage and partial overlap between stages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a mechanical aperture with multiple rotation-type blades is used, then the aperture can adjust the amount of incident light, but the thickness and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture module divides the blade structure into multiple discrete blades (first blade, second blade, third blade, fourth blade) that can independently rotate around the optical axis. Each blade is segmented with specific geometric features (first edge, second edge, third edge, fourth edge) that engage with corresponding features on the rotation plate, enabling precise control of the aperture opening while maintaining modular complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The blades are stacked in a nested configuration where multiple blades are arranged concentrically around the optical axis. The first blade and second blade are positioned at different radial distances, creating a nested structure that reduces the overall thickness compared to traditional mechanical apertures while maintaining the light-adjusting function
2Illumination intensity
If a mechanical aperture with multiple rotation-type blades is used, then the aperture can adjust the amount of incident light, but the thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional single-plane mechanical aperture to a multi-dimensional stacked blade structure. Blades are arranged in multiple layers (first blade, second blade, third blade, fourth blade) at different positions along the optical axis, utilizing the z-dimension to reduce the radial thickness while maintaining aperture functionality
3Illumination intensity
If traditional mechanical aperture structures are used in portable devices, then light control is achieved, but spatial limitations are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The blades are stacked in a nested configuration where multiple blades are arranged concentrically around the optical axis. The first blade and second blade are positioned at different radial distances, creating a nested structure that reduces the overall thickness compared to traditional mechanical apertures while maintaining the light-adjusting function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional single-plane mechanical aperture to a multi-dimensional stacked blade structure. Blades are arranged in multiple layers (first blade, second blade, third blade, fourth blade) at different positions along the optical axis, utilizing the z-dimension to reduce the radial thickness while maintaining aperture functionality
4Area of stationary object
If a compact aperture structure is designed for portable devices, then spatial efficiency is improved, but the aperture adjustment mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional elements into a unified rotation plate structure. The rotation plate integrates rotation plate teeth that engage with blade teeth on all four blades simultaneously, and includes a through hole for the optical axis. This merging of functions (rotation control, blade engagement, optical path clearance) into a single component reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining compact spatial efficiency
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
Enables adjustable aperture sizes with reduced thickness and complexity, suitable for portable devices, offering improved spatial efficiency and lower power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
an aperture driving portion coupled to the rotation plate and configured to rotate the rotation plate in response to an input of an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
A disclosed aperture module includes a base defining an opening; a rotation plate seated on the base and rotatable about an optical axis, and including rotation plate teeth disposed along an inner circumferential surface; an aperture driving portion coupled to the rotation plate to rotate the rotation plate in response to an input of an electrical signal; and a plurality of blades stacked in two stages and disposed inside the rotation plate, each blade including blade teeth to engage the rotation plate teeth. The blades move in conjunction with rotation of the rotation plate to define an incidence hole of variable size, and the plurality of blades are disposed to partially overlap neighboring blades of the other stage without overlapping with neighboring blades of the same stage.