Compact OPFE Actuator Assembly With Nested Lens Layout

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mirror swing actuators in compact folded camera modules for portable devices, such as smartphones, occupy excessive space due to their dimensions, particularly in the height, length, and width, which limits the compactness of the camera module and host device.

Innovation Solution

A compact actuator assembly for optical path folding elements that integrates the lens within the actuator housing, reducing the distance between the lens and the optical path folding element, and employs a novel pivot point configuration to minimize the actuator's dimensions, specifically by using a sliding mechanism and reduced protrusion of mechanical structures above the reflection surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the lens actuator and mirror swing actuator are positioned adjacent to each other with a distance of 2-3 mm between them, then the optical path can be properly folded and imaged, but the overall size of the camera module becomes excessively large (height >10 mm, length >13 mm, width >15 mm)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera module sizeVSAvoidoptical path folding capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the lens actuator and mirror swing actuator into a single unified actuator assembly. The lens is positioned within the mirror swing actuator housing, eliminating the need for separate adjacent actuators. This merging reduces the overall camera module dimensions while maintaining the optical folding function through shared mechanical structures and integrated pivot points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lens actuator is nested within the mirror swing actuator housing structure. The lens is positioned inside the actuator assembly rather than adjacent to it, utilizing the internal space of the mirror swing actuator. This nesting arrangement allows the optical components to be compactly arranged without increasing the external dimensions of the camera module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Length of moving object

If the optical path folding element is positioned farther from the lens, then there is sufficient space for mechanical structures and housing, but the distance between the lens and optical path folding element increases to 2-3 mm, occupying excessive physical space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance between lens and OPFEVSAvoidactuator housing space

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions the lens along the optical axis to be closer to the optical path folding element by changing the dimensional arrangement within the actuator assembly. The lens is positioned at the end of the lens actuator that is received within the second aperture of the mirror swing actuator, reducing the distance to less than 2 mm. This dimensional optimization allows compact arrangement without compromising mechanical structure space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If the actuator housing and mechanical structures protrude beyond the reflection surface, then the mechanical pivot points and sliding mechanisms can function properly, but unwanted reflections increase and optical performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical performanceVSAvoidmechanical structure configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the mechanical pivot points and sliding mechanisms precisely at or near the reflection surface of the optical path folding element, converting the potential harmful effect of protrusion into a beneficial arrangement. By carefully aligning the mechanical structures with the optical surface, the design minimizes unwanted reflections while maintaining proper mechanical function. The pivot points are configured to rotate about axes that coincide with or are very close to the reflection surface, eliminating the need for protruding mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 solution achieves a significant reduction in the actuator assembly's dimensions, particularly in height, width, and length, allowing for a more compact design that minimizes unwanted reflections and enhances optical performance by bringing the lens closer to the optical path folding element, thus optimizing space utilization in portable devices.

Implementation Method 1

The optical path forming element is typically a prism or mirror... the OPFE is mounted within the mirror swing actuator and angled to receive incoming rays of the field of view, and transmit them to the second aperture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12554097B2Compact actuator assemblies for optical path folding elements

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A mirror swing actuator assembly for an optical path folding element (OPFE) for compact folding camera modules comprises an exit aperture for outputting folded light rays, and an incoming aperture for receiving incoming light rays, wherein a distance between a top lens of a lens actuator and an end of the optical path folding element is minimized by configuring the second aperture and/or a support assembly of the optical path folding element to receive, within the mirror swing actuator assembly, an end portion of the optical actuator/lens assembly that comprises the top lens.