Flat Coil Assembly Lorentz Actuator Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Miniature cameras face challenges in achieving high image quality due to complex and vulnerable actuator mechanisms, which are difficult to assemble and prone to failure, especially in reducing size while maintaining performance and minimizing parasitic motion during lens adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A flat coil assembly is used in a Lorentz actuator mechanism, comprising conductor elements bounded by insulator elements within a magnetic field, generating Lorentz forces to adjust the position of a mobile component relative to a static component, such as an optics carrier in a camera, with a simplified assembly process and reduced component complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional actuator mechanisms are used to adjust lens position, then the camera can achieve focus adjustment, but the assembly becomes complex and components become vulnerable to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the coil assembly and magnet assembly into a single integrated actuator unit. The coil assembly is positioned within the magnet assembly such that the mobile component carries the coil assembly and moves with it within the magnetic field, eliminating the need for separate mounting structures and reducing overall component complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator mechanism is segmented into distinct functional modules: a stationary magnet assembly generating the magnetic field, and a mobile coil assembly carrying the conductor elements. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently and simplifies assembly by allowing the coil assembly to be independently positioned within the magnet assembly.
2Volume of moving object
If the camera size is reduced, then miniaturization is achieved, but the actuator mechanisms become more vulnerable and harder to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The coil assembly is nested within the magnet assembly, with the conductor elements positioned inside the magnetic field region. This nested configuration maximizes space utilization, allowing the actuator mechanism to be miniaturized while maintaining functional integrity and simplifying assembly by reducing the number of external mounting operations required.
3Manufacturing precision
If lens motion is increased to achieve better focus, then image quality improves, but parasitic motion in other degrees of freedom increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field is localized to a specific region within the magnet assembly, and the coil assembly is positioned to operate within this confined field. This localization ensures that the Lorentz forces act primarily in the desired linear direction along the optical axis, minimizing parasitic motions in orthogonal directions and improving focus precision.
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 flat coil assembly simplifies the assembly of actuator mechanisms, reduces component vulnerability, and enhances the ability to fit larger lenses and image sensors, while minimizing parasitic motion, thereby improving image quality and reliability in miniature cameras.
Implementation Method 1
configured to generate the Lorentz forces based at least in part upon an electrical current through the one or more conductor elements
Data Source
AI summary
A Lorentz actuator mechanism, which controls the motion of a mobile component relative to a static component, includes a flat coil assembly which is physically coupled to the mobile component in a magnetic field of one or more magnets and is configured to adjust a position of the mobile component, relative to the static component, based at least in part upon Lorentz forces. The flat coil assembly includes at least one conductor element, at least partially bounded by a set of insulator elements within an interior of the flat coil assembly, which forms a coil structure, within the interior of the flat coil assembly, which is configured to generate the Lorentz forces based at least in part upon an electrical current through the at least one conductor element.