Curved Ball-Guided VCM for Optical Element Angular Motion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing actuation mechanisms in high-end digital cameras, such as those in smartphones, require angular motion for optical elements like light folding elements, which current ball-guided VCMs cannot provide effectively.

Innovation Solution

A rotational ball-guided voice coil motor (VCM) actuator is developed, incorporating a first VCM and a curved ball-guided mechanism to create rotation or tilt movements of optical elements around a first rotation axis, with a ferromagnetic yoke to stabilize the mechanism, and a position sensor to measure the optical element's angle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional ball-guided VCM is used, then linear motion is achieved, but angular motion capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular motion capabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces curved guide rails with specific radii of curvature that enable rotational motion. The curved geometry transforms linear ball movement into angular optical element rotation, directly providing the missing angular motion capability while maintaining the simplicity of the ball-guided mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds a rotational dimension to the traditionally linear ball-guided VCM by positioning curved guide rails at specific orientations. This allows the optical element to move not only linearly along the optical axis but also rotate around a rotation axis, effectively adding angular motion capability through dimensional expansion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If a spring-guided rail is used, then mechanical guidance is provided, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical guidance stabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the spring-based mechanical guidance system with a ball-guided mechanism. The balls roll within curved guide rails to provide mechanical guidance, eliminating the need for springs and their associated counter-forces, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining guidance stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The curved guide rails with optimized radii provide the necessary mechanical guidance for both linear and rotational motion. The curved geometry ensures smooth ball movement and stable optical element positioning without requiring spring forces, achieving reliable guidance with lower energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Use of energy by moving object

If a ball-guided rail is used, then power consumption is reduced, but angular motion capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidangular motion capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the traditional linear ball-guided rail by introducing curved guide rails with specific radii. This curvature enables the balls to follow a rotational path, transforming the mechanism from linear-only motion to combined linear and angular motion, thereby gaining angular motion capability while preserving the low power consumption advantage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention enhances the traditional ball-guided VCM by adding curved guide rails that operate in a rotational dimension. This allows the optical element to achieve angular motion around a rotation axis while the balls continue to roll efficiently within the curved guides, maintaining low power consumption while expanding functional versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 efficient angular motion for optical image stabilization and extended field of view scanning in digital cameras, providing lower power consumption and higher reliability against drops.

Implementation Method 1

In VCM technology, a fixed (or permanent) magnet and a coil are used to create actuation force. The coil is positioned in the vicinity of the magnetic field of the fixed magnet. Upon driving current in the coil, a Lorentz force is created on the coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

A first curved ball-guided mechanism is provided, having a first radius of curvature. The first curved ball-guided mechanism is operative to create a rotation or tilt movement of the optical element around a first rotation axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCurved guide mechanism: Geometry

Data Source

PatentUS12372758B2Rotational ball-guided voice coil motor

Publication Date: 2025.07.29 COREPHOTONICS

AI summary

Actuators for rotating or tilting an optical element, for example an optical path folding element, comprising a voice coil motor (VCM) and a curved ball-guided mechanism operative to create a rotation or tilt movement of the optical element around a rotation axis upon actuation by the VCM. In some embodiments, an actuator includes two, first and second VCMs, and two curved ball-guided mechanisms operative to create rotation or tilt around respective first and second rotation axes.