Electromagnetic Actuator Lens Module for Compact Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in designing compact camera modules for portable electronic devices is to create smaller, lighter, and cost-effective imaging modules with reduced manufacturing tolerances while maintaining image stabilization and autofocus capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An imaging module incorporating an electromagnetic actuator with a magnet and coil configuration that allows for precise movement and rotation of the lens assembly relative to the image sensor, enabling both autofocus and image stabilization functions, utilizing a combination of hardware and software to control the lens assembly's position and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional mechanical actuators are used for lens movement, then manufacturing tolerances can be relaxed, but the device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuators (motors, gears, linkages) with an electromagnetic actuator consisting of a magnet and coil assembly. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical transmission components, significantly reducing the overall size of the imaging module while enabling tighter manufacturing tolerances through precise electromagnetic control of lens position.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates unnecessary mechanical components from the actuation system. By removing intermediate mechanical transmission elements (gears, belts, linkages) and directly coupling the electromagnetic actuator to the lens holder, the design reduces component count and simplifies the mechanical structure, thereby reducing module size and improving manufacturability.
2Volume of moving object
If compact lens assembly is used, then device size is reduced, but image stabilization precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic image stabilization by enabling the lens assembly to rotate about two orthogonal axes (X and Y axes) in addition to linear movement. This dynamic capability allows the compact lens assembly to compensate for hand shake and camera movement through multi-axis motion control, maintaining stabilization precision despite the reduced size.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic actuator design provides multi-functionality by integrating focus adjustment (linear movement along optical axis), optical stabilization (rotation about X and Y axes), and potentially zoom functionality into a single actuator system. This universal actuator replaces multiple separate mechanisms, maintaining comprehensive functionality in a compact form factor.
3Ease of manufacture
If electromagnetic actuator is used, then device cost is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes in the electromagnetic actuator design, including optimizing magnet strength, coil turns, and air gap dimensions to achieve the desired force and precision characteristics. By carefully selecting and adjusting these parameters, the system achieves high manufacturing precision requirements through electromagnetic field control rather than mechanical tolerances, reducing overall device cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging module incorporates feedback mechanisms (such as position sensors or Hall effect sensors) that monitor the lens assembly position and provide real-time feedback to the control system. This feedback enables closed-loop control of the electromagnetic actuator, compensating for manufacturing variations and ensuring precise lens positioning despite variations in actuator assembly tolerances.
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 solution enables the development of compact, cost-effective imaging modules with improved autofocus and image stabilization capabilities, suitable for smaller portable devices, by using an electromagnetic actuator to precisely control the lens assembly's position and orientation, enhancing image capture performance.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic actuator may be configured to induce movement of the lens holder about two orthogonal axes and/or along an optical axis
Data Source
AI summary
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to an imaging module comprising an electromagnetic actuator to provide focus-related and image stabilization-related functionality.