Folded-Optics Camera Bearing Suspension for 3-Axis AF and OIS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing small form factor cameras face challenges in achieving high-resolution imaging with optical image stabilization and autofocus in compact designs, as conventional mechanisms often lack adequate stiffness and stability for effective lens movement.
Innovation Solution
A camera design incorporating folded optics and a bearing suspension arrangement, utilizing voice coil motors and magnetic actuators to enable 3-axis movement of the lens group, providing autofocus and optical image stabilization while maintaining a reduced height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional rigid body autofocus mechanisms are used, then the lens can be moved along the optical axis, but the mechanism lacks adequate stiffness and stability for effective lens movement
Solution Approach 1:
The lens group is divided into multiple independently movable lens elements (first lens element, second lens element, third lens element) that can move along different paths and axes. This segmentation allows each lens element to be supported by dedicated bearing suspension mechanisms, providing individual stiffness and stability control for each element rather than moving the entire lens group as a rigid body.
Solution Approach 2:
Bearing suspension mechanisms are introduced as intermediary components between the lens elements and the housing. These bearing suspensions provide precise mechanical support and stable movement guidance for each lens element, resolving the stiffness and stability issues by mediating the interaction between the movable lens components and the fixed structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If optical image stabilization and autofocus mechanisms are added to small form factor cameras, then imaging quality improves, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path is folded by introducing prisms that redirect light at angles, allowing the lens group to be positioned at an angle relative to the image sensor plane. This dimensional change in the optical path configuration enables OIS and AF mechanisms to operate within a compact form factor by utilizing three-dimensional space more efficiently rather than requiring linear extension along the optical axis.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple lens elements are nested within a compact lens group structure, with each lens element positioned close to the others along the optical path. The bearing suspension mechanisms are integrated within the same compact housing, allowing complex OIS and AF functionality to be nested within a small overall device volume.
3Device complexity
If the lens group is moved as a single rigid body for autofocus, then the mechanism is simple, but the actuator stroke is limited and optical specifications are constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The single rigid lens body is segmented into multiple independent lens elements (first, second, and third lens elements) that can move independently along different paths. This segmentation enables each lens element to achieve additional actuator stroke beyond what would be possible for a single rigid body, thereby improving optical specifications while maintaining relatively simple bearing suspension mechanisms for each element.
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 enhances the effectiveness of autofocus and optical image stabilization, allowing for improved optical specifications and increased actuator strokes, while maintaining a compact form factor.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing voice coil motors and magnetic actuators to enable 3-axis movement of the lens group
Implementation Method 2
a bearing suspension arrangement, utilizing voice coil motors and magnetic actuators to enable 3-axis movement of the lens group
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments include a camera with folded optics and a bearing suspension arrangement. In some examples, a folded optics arrangement of the camera may include one or more lens elements and light path folding elements (e.g., prisms). Some embodiments include voice coil motor (VCM) actuator arrangements to move at least a portion of the optics arrangement along multiple axes.