Compact Camera Module With Guided Independent Lens Movement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Camera modules with zooming functionality face issues of optical axis mismatch between multiple lens groups due to independent movement, leading to misalignment and reduced drivability.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design featuring a first lens module driven by a first driver, a second lens module driven independently by a second driver, and a housing accommodating both, with ball bearings and guides to facilitate smooth movement and alignment, minimizing friction and maintaining optical axis integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple lens groups are moved independently to enable zooming, then zooming capability is improved, but optical axis mismatch occurs between lens groups

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvezooming capabilityVSAvoidoptical axis alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A housing structure is introduced as an intermediary component that accommodates multiple lens modules and provides a common reference frame. The housing includes guiding structures (grooves, rails, or ball bearings) that mediate the movement of lens groups, ensuring they maintain proper optical axis alignment while moving independently for zooming operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The camera module is segmented into multiple independent lens modules (first lens module, second lens module, etc.), each with its own driving mechanism. This segmentation allows independent movement of each lens group for zooming while the housing structure ensures their optical axes remain aligned through mechanical guidance and positioning features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If multiple lens modules are accommodated in a compact housing, then device size is reduced, but movement precision and optical axis alignment become more difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera module sizeVSAvoidoptical axis alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple lens modules are nested within the housing in a compact arrangement, with each lens module positioned in a dedicated cavity or mounting structure. The nested configuration allows efficient use of space while the housing's internal structures (guides, rails, ball bearings) maintain precise optical axis alignment despite the compact dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If lens groups are moved along the optical axis for focusing and zooming, then functional capability is improved, but friction and movement resistance increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautofocusing and zooming functionVSAvoidfriction force

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

Traditional mechanical contact-based guiding systems are replaced or supplemented with non-contact magnetic driving mechanisms. The driving magnets and driving coils generate electromagnetic forces to move lens groups along the optical axis without physical contact, significantly reducing friction and movement resistance while maintaining precise control for autofocusing and zooming.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 design ensures precise autofocusing and zooming capabilities with minimized optical axis mismatch and improved drivability, enabling a compact and reliable camera module suitable for portable devices.

Implementation Method 1

a ball bearing disposed between the first lens module and the second lens module to ease relative movement between the second lens module and the first lens module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBall Bearing: Ball Bearing

Implementation Method 2

The first driver may include a first driving magnet disposed in the first lens module and a first driving coil disposed in the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS12449632B2Camera module

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 SAMSUNG ELECTRO MECHANICS CO LTD

AI summary

A camera module includes a first lens module, including a first lens group, configured to move along an optical axis; a first driver configured to drive the first lens module; a second lens module including a second lens group, disposed on the first lens module, configured to move along the optical axis when the first lens module is driven by the first driver; a second driver configured to drive the second lens module independent of the first lens module; and a housing configured to accommodate the first lens module and the second lens module. The first lens group and the second lens group are sequentially arranged in a direction toward an image sensor along the optical axis.