Folded Camera Module Optical Axis Orientation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity and size of camera modules in portable electronic devices increase due to the need for various functions like autofocusing, zoom, and image stabilization, leading to increased device thickness and power consumption, especially when lenses or image sensors require direct movement for stabilization.

Innovation Solution

A folded module design with a housing, rotation holder, and stopper mechanism that includes a reflective member and a separation prevention structure, allowing the optical axis of lenses to be perpendicular to the device thickness, reducing the need for direct lens or image sensor movement and minimizing device size while maintaining functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a lens or image sensor is configured to directly move to perform image stabilization, then image stabilization function is achieved, but weight of moving components and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage stabilization functionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of moving the heavy lens or image sensor for stabilization, the patent inverts the approach by moving a lightweight reflective member (mirror) to achieve the same stabilization effect. The reflective member redirects light to the image sensor, and by moving this lightweight component rather than the entire lens-sensor assembly, power consumption is significantly reduced while maintaining stabilization functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If various camera functions (autofocusing, zoom, image stabilization) are implemented, then camera functionality is enhanced, but device size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera functionVSAvoidcamera module structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple camera functions (autofocusing, zoom, and image stabilization) into a single integrated camera module with a unified structure. The housing, rotation holder, reflective member, and stopper mechanism work together as a cohesive system, eliminating the need for separate stabilization modules and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining all required functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent positions the optical axis of the lens perpendicular to the thickness direction of the device, utilizing the in-plane direction for optical path folding. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the light to reflect off the reflective member and reach the image sensor without requiring the lens to move in the thickness direction, thereby reducing device thickness and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Volume of moving object

If the optical axis of the lens is perpendicular to the thickness direction, then device size is reduced, but the stopper mechanism requires precise positioning to prevent separation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidstopper positioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation plate serves as an intermediary component between the housing and the stopper mechanism. It provides a stable mounting surface and rotational axis that facilitates precise positioning of the stopper relative to the rotation holder. This intermediary structure simplifies the positioning requirements by providing reference surfaces and geometric constraints that guide the stopper into its correct position during assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 enables portable electronic devices to maintain camera module functions like autofocusing, zoom, and image stabilization without increasing device size, while reducing power consumption and enhancing product reliability through improved cohesion stiffness.

Implementation Method 1

a rotation holder 1120 comprising a reflective member 1110

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11297174B2Folded module and portable electronic device including the same

Publication Date: 2022.04.05 SAMSUNG ELECTRO MECHANICS CO LTD

AI summary

A folded module includes a housing having an internal space and including a protruding wall protruding in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis direction; a rotation holder including a reflective member, and supported by an internal wall of the housing with a rotation plate interposed therebetween to be disposed in the internal space; and a stopper coupled to the protruding wall of the housing, and limiting movement of the rotation holder in an optical axis direction, and the stopper includes a separation prevention structure.