EAP Artificial Muscle Lens Actuator for Low-Power Aperture Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autofocus lens actuators in consumer electronics devices, such as smartphones, rely on voice coil motors (VCM) which are costly for high-volume manufacturing and have high power consumption, limiting their integration in mass-produced devices with advanced optics.
Innovation Solution
An artificial muscle actuator using electro-active polymer (EAP) materials with a frusto-conical shape and segmented electrodes, enabling both lens displacement and variable aperture functions, reduces costs and power consumption while supporting large optics and improved low-light performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If voice coil motor (VCM) actuators are used for autofocus lens control, then lens displacement control is achieved, but production cost and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional voice coil motor (electromagnetic mechanical system) with an artificial muscle actuator based on electro-active polymer materials. This substitution maintains the lens displacement control function while reducing production costs and power consumption, as EAP actuators can be manufactured more economically and consume less energy compared to VCM systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters by using electro-active polymer materials that respond to electrical fields with mechanical deformation. The frusto-conical geometry and segmented electrode configuration enable the actuator to achieve lens displacement through controlled expansion and contraction of the EAP material, providing a different physical mechanism from traditional VCM actuators
2Reliability
If voice coil motor (VCM) actuators are used for autofocus lens control, then lens displacement control is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional voice coil motor (electromagnetic mechanical system) with an artificial muscle actuator based on electro-active polymer materials. This substitution maintains the lens displacement control function while reducing production costs and power consumption, as EAP actuators can be manufactured more economically and consume less energy compared to VCM systems
3Reliability
If traditional actuators are used, then lens displacement is achieved, but variable aperture function is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional actuator where the artificial muscle structure performs both lens displacement control and variable aperture functions simultaneously. The frusto-conical EAP structure with segmented electrodes can independently control lens position while also adjusting the aperture opening size, eliminating the need for separate actuators for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the electrode structure into segments that can be independently controlled. The first electrode portion controls lens displacement while the second electrode portion controls aperture opening size, allowing independent operation of both functions from a single integrated actuator structure
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 EAP actuator provides efficient lens displacement and aperture control, reducing production costs and power usage, enabling better integration with advanced camera optics and improved low-light performance in consumer devices.
Implementation Method 1
Artificial muscle technology is based on electro-active polymer (EAP) materials
Data Source
AI summary
An artificial muscle structure has an electro-active polymer (EAP) layer having a frusto-conical shape and whose tip has an opening formed therein for use as a camera variable aperture. First, second and third electrode segments are formed on a rear face of the EAP layer. The second segment is positioned in a gap between the first and third segments so as to be electrically isolated from the first and third segments. The second segment has an opening formed therein that is aligned with the opening in the EAP layer. A complementary electrode is formed on a front face of the EAP layer. Other embodiments are also described.