Folded Camera Layout for Thin Modules Without Driver Protrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional folded cameras face challenges in maintaining performance while reducing the thickness of the optical system, as AF and OIS drivers protrude, increasing the electronic device's thickness.
Innovation Solution
The camera module is designed with supports and housings arranged perpendicularly to the lens assembly, incorporating magnet members and rotation drivers to manage light path and driver positioning, preventing protrusion and maintaining optical system size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the focal length of the conventional camera is increased to achieve higher magnification, then the zoom-in performance is improved, but the thickness of the electronic device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical axis direction from the thickness direction (Z-axis) to a direction parallel to the front surface (X-axis or Y-axis), effectively utilizing another dimension for the optical path. This allows the focal length to be extended without increasing the device thickness, as the light path now extends laterally rather than vertically.
2Reliability
If the AF driver and OIS driver are disposed symmetrically in the folded camera, then the optical functionality is maintained, but the drivers protrude in the thickness direction, increasing the electronic device thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the AF driver and OIS driver in the lateral direction (parallel to the front surface) rather than in the thickness direction. The first support extends in the Y-axis direction and the second support surrounds the lens assembly, with both supports arranged in the X-axis direction away from the lens assembly. This lateral arrangement prevents protrusion in the thickness direction while maintaining optical functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of the supports relative to the lens assembly. The first support is disposed in a second direction away from the lens assembly, while the second support surrounds the lens assembly with at least a portion protruding in the second direction. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes space utilization and prevents symmetric protrusion in the thickness direction.
3Length of stationary object
If the size of the optical system is decreased to reduce the thickness of the folded camera, then the device thickness is reduced, but the camera performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the optical path in the lateral direction (X-axis or Y-axis) rather than in the thickness direction (Z-axis). This allows the optical system to maintain a sufficient focal length and aperture for good camera performance while keeping the device thickness minimal, as the light path now utilizes the lateral dimension.
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 design maintains camera performance by preventing AF and OIS drivers from protruding, thus reducing the overall thickness of the electronic device without compromising optical functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The first support includes a magnet member, the housing includes a first metal member, and the second support includes a second metal member
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
An electronic device includes a lens assembly that receives external light, which is used by a camera module to capture a still image and/or a moving picture, in a first direction, a housing forming an outer portion of the camera module, a first support disposed inside the housing and disposed in a second direction away from the lens assembly, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction; and a second support including at least a portion protruding in the second direction while surrounding the lens assembly, wherein the first support and the second support are disposed in the second direction away from the lens assembly.