Dual Camera Module Shared Magnet Lens Barrel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dual camera modules in portable devices face challenges with increased mounting volume and manufacturing costs due to the need for separate driving units and magnets for each camera module, especially in devices with limited size constraints.

Innovation Solution

A dual camera module configuration where the driving units of two camera modules share a single magnet, allowing for reduced size and manufacturing costs by utilizing a shared magnetic field for both camera modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two separate camera modules are installed in a portable device, then dual camera functionality is achieved, but the mounting volume increases and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedual camera functionalityVSAvoidmounting volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two separate camera modules into a single integrated camera module housing. Two lens barrels are positioned side-by-side within one housing, sharing common structural components including the magnet, coil units, and support structures. This consolidation reduces the overall mounting volume compared to installing two separate camera modules while maintaining dual camera functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single magnet and supporting structures serve dual purposes by providing magnetic field support for both first and second coil units simultaneously. The magnet is positioned to generate magnetic fields that interact with both coil units, enabling both lens barrels to achieve autofocus functionality through a shared magnetic drive system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If two separate driving units with individual magnets are used for each camera module, then each lens barrel can be controlled independently, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent lens barrel controlVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate magnet assemblies into a single magnet that serves both driving units. The first and second coil units are positioned to interact with different regions of the same magnet, allowing independent control of both lens barrels while reducing the total number of magnets from two to one, thereby lowering manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single magnet is strategically positioned and dimensioned to create distinct magnetic field zones that independently interact with the first and second coil units. This segmentation of the magnetic field allows each lens barrel to be controlled independently through its respective coil unit while sharing the common magnet structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If two separate driving units with individual magnets are used for each camera module, then each lens barrel can be controlled independently, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent lens barrel controlVSAvoidcamera module size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the magnetic field generation function into a single shared magnet that serves both driving units. The compact arrangement positions the first and second coil units adjacent to each other, both interacting with the same magnet, thereby reducing the overall camera module size while maintaining independent control capability for both lens barrels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The design nests the first and second coil units within the magnetic field of a single magnet structure. The coil units are positioned to fit within the spatial envelope created by the shared magnet, creating a compact nested arrangement that reduces the camera module volume compared to having two separate magnet assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

This configuration minimizes the size of the camera module and reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining effective control over the lens barrels, enhancing the overall efficiency and compactness of the electronic device.

Implementation Method 1

a first coil unit (451) and a single magnet (450) so as to generate a first electromagnetic force. The second driving unit (350) may include a second coil unit (452) and the single magnet (450) so as to generate a second electromagnetic force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP3364233B1Camera module having lens barrel
Publication Date: 2023.04.05 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3364233B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3364233B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3364233B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Disclosed a dual camera module. The dual camera module may include a housing (403); at least one image sensor disposed in the housing; a first lens barrel (410) including at least one first lens and disposed in a first portion of the housing facing a first portion of the at least one image sensor; a second lens barrel (412) including at least one second lens and disposed in a second portion of the housing facing a second portion of the at least one image sensor; a first coil unit (451) comprising a coil disposed between the first lens barrel (410) and the second lens barrel (412) adjacent to the first lens barrel (410), and configured to adjust the first lens barrel; a second coil unit (452) comprising a second coil disposed between the first lens barrel (410) and the second lens barrel (412) adjacent to the second lens barrel and configured to adjust the second lens barrel; and a magnet (450) disposed between the first coil unit and the second coil unit and configured to provide magnetic force to each of the first and second coils.