Folded Camera Module Layout for Thin Zoom and OIS Stability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity and increased size of camera modules in portable electronic devices due to the implementation of autofocusing, zoom, and optical image stabilization functions lead to protrusions, which hinder miniaturization and cause electromagnetic interference between magnetic members and OIS driving magnets.

Innovation Solution

A folded camera module design with a driving unit that includes magnets and coils positioned to minimize thickness and avoid interference, using magnetic attraction to support the reflective member and rotate it around axes perpendicular to the optical axis, allowing for reduced size and electromagnetic interference prevention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a camera module includes a folded module with a reflective member driven by a voice coil motor to implement zoom functions, then the zoom function is improved, but the structure becomes complicated and the size of the camera module increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvezoom functionVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the OIS driving magnet with the folded module structure by positioning the OIS driving magnet on the housing to face the reflective member, integrating multiple functions (folding and OIS) into a unified design rather than separate components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent positions the OIS driving magnet and coil in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, utilizing the thickness direction of the folded module to arrange driving components, thereby reducing interference and optimizing space utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a magnetic member is disposed in a portion of the folded module close to an OIS driving magnet, then the folded function is improved, but the OIS function cannot be smoothly performed due to electromagnetic interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolded functionVSAvoidOIS function
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves electromagnetic interference by arranging the OIS driving magnet and coil in the thickness direction (perpendicular to optical axis) rather than along the optical axis, spatially separating the magnetic components to minimize interaction while maintaining functional effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different spatial arrangements to different components: the reflective member is positioned for folding function while the OIS driving magnet and coil are positioned in the thickness direction for OIS function, with each component optimized for its specific function while minimizing interference with others

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the OIS driving magnet is disposed around the folded module to avoid interference with the magnetic member, then electromagnetic interference is prevented, but the position arrangement becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interferenceVSAvoidposition arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the OIS driving components with the folded module structure by positioning the OIS driving magnet on the housing to face the reflective member, creating an integrated arrangement that avoids interference while simplifying overall positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the thickness direction of the folded module to position the OIS driving magnet and coil, arranging components in a dimension perpendicular to the optical axis to naturally avoid electromagnetic interference without complex positioning adjustments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 solution enables miniaturization of portable electronic devices by reducing the camera module's thickness and preventing electromagnetic interference, thereby enhancing the device's compactness and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a coil and a magnet disposed to face each other in the optical axis direction, wherein magnetic force generated between the coil and the magnet rotates the reflective member about a first rotation axis substantially perpendicular to the optical axis direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

the reflecting unit may be supported on the inner surface of the housing by magnetic attraction arising between the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS12001126B2Folded module and camera module including the same
Publication Date: 2024.06.04 SAMSUNG ELECTRO MECHANICS CO LTD
  • US12001126B2 patent drawing
  • US12001126B2 patent drawing
  • US12001126B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A folded module includes a housing, a reflecting unit supported on an inner surface of the housing and including a reflective member, and a driving unit configured to provide driving force to rotate the reflecting unit with respect to the housing. The driving unit includes a first magnet and a second magnet disposed on the reflecting unit to face the inner surface, and at least one coil disposed in the housing and facing the first magnet and/or the second magnet.