Folded Camera Module Layout for Reduced Height and Protrusion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Folded camera modules face challenges in achieving a compact structure due to increased height, as lenses protrude outside the device, despite reducing the length, which is not suitable for mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
The camera module design includes multiple lens modules and a reflective module disposed along a first optical axis, allowing for independent movement and rotation of these components, minimizing the overall length and height by optimizing the lens movement and rotation paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If lenses are disposed in front of reflective elements to reduce length, then length of camera module is decreased, but height of camera module increases causing lenses to protrude
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the image sensor from the traditional longitudinal arrangement to a position adjacent to the reflective element, changing the optical path from a linear sequence to a two-dimensional layout. This dimensional change allows light to reflect off the reflective element and directly reach the image sensor without requiring additional longitudinal space, thereby reducing camera module length while controlling height
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the reflective element within the optical path between the lens and image sensor, nesting multiple functional components (lens, reflective element, image sensor) in a compact arrangement. This nesting allows the reflective element to be positioned such that it reflects light onto the image sensor without requiring the image sensor to be placed far away, thus reducing overall module dimensions
2Quantity of substance
If multiple lenses are disposed in sequence along the length direction, then number of lenses can be increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lens functions into a single lens module that is positioned to work with the reflective element. Instead of arranging multiple lenses in sequence along the optical path, the design merges their functions into one integrated module that can achieve similar optical effects through the reflective path, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining the capability to handle multiple optical functions
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 achieves a compact camera module structure with reduced protrusion, maintaining optical performance and enabling efficient focus and shake correction operations.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective member configured to change a path of light incident on the plurality of lens modules
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module is provided. The camera module includes a plurality of lens modules, each including one or more lenses; a reflective module including a reflective member configured to change a path of light incident on the plurality of lens modules, wherein the plurality of lens modules and the reflective module are disposed in a first optical axis direction, and one of the plurality of lens modules is configured to move in the first optical axis direction.