Electromagnetic Driving Mechanism with Insert-Molded Circuit Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

The miniaturization of electronic products is hindered by protruding integrated circuit elements on printed circuit boards, which occupy space and complicate assembly, making it difficult to integrate components effectively.

Innovation Solution

An electromagnetic driving mechanism is developed with a housing, circuit unit, and sensing element, where the circuit unit is covered with plastic material via insert molding, and the sensing element is strategically positioned to detect optical element displacement, with a protective material and filling material used to enhance protection and mechanical strength, allowing for miniaturization and improved assembly accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If integrated circuit elements are disposed on the printed circuit board, then the circuit functionality is achieved, but the elements protrude from the board and occupy space, making miniaturization difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume of electromagnetic driving mechanismVSAvoidassembly complexity of circuit elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the circuit element mounting structure with the housing by using insert molding to integrate the circuit element directly into the housing body. This eliminates the need for separate PCB assembly, reduces overall volume, and simplifies the assembly process while maintaining circuit functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit element is nested within the housing structure through insert molding, where the circuit element is embedded into recesses formed in the housing. This nesting approach allows the circuit element to be contained within the overall housing volume rather than protruding outward, enabling miniaturization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If multiple components are integrated into a single element to reduce volume, then miniaturization is achieved, but the assembly of other mechanism elements becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume of electromagnetic driving mechanismVSAvoidease of assembly of mechanism elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the integrated circuit element into modular components that can be separately manufactured and then assembled into the housing through insert molding. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing of individual parts while achieving integration in the final assembly, balancing miniaturization with manufacturing ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit element is prepared in advance with pre-formed connection terminals and mounting features before being inserted into the housing. This preliminary preparation simplifies the final assembly process, making it easier to integrate the circuit element into the electromagnetic driving mechanism while maintaining compact dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If the sensing element is exposed to detect displacement accurately, then detection precision is improved, but the sensing element becomes vulnerable to damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplacement detection precisionVSAvoidprotection of sensing element
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing protective coverage only at specific locations where the sensing element is most vulnerable, while leaving the detection-facing surfaces exposed. This selective protection maintains measurement precision in the detection direction while providing shielding against lateral damage and environmental factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The sensing element is positioned within the housing structure with protective spacing and support features built into the housing design before assembly is complete. This beforehand cushioning provides structural protection and shock absorption that safeguards the sensing element during assembly and operation while maintaining its detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 enables the miniaturization of electromagnetic driving mechanisms, enhances assembly accuracy, and protects the sensing element, while maintaining functionality for auto-focusing and optical image stabilization in electronic devices.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnetic driving assembly for driving the optical element to move relative to the circuit unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

a sensing element disposed on the circuit unit and electrically connected to the circuit element for detecting the displacement of the optical element relative to the circuit unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic sensing: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10840792B2Electromagnetic driving mechanism
Publication Date: 2020.11.17 ACTUTEK CORP
  • US10840792B2 patent drawing
  • US10840792B2 patent drawing
  • US10840792B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electromagnetic driving mechanism is provided, including a housing, a circuit unit, an electromagnetic driving assembly, and a sensing element. The circuit unit is connected to the housing, and has a plastic material and a circuit element. The plastic material is formed on and covers an outer surface of the circuit element by insert molding. The electromagnetic driving assembly is disposed in the housing for forcing an optical element to move relative to the circuit unit. The sensing element is disposed on the circuit unit, and electrically connected to the circuit element for detecting the displacement of the optical element relative to the circuit unit.