Folded Telephoto Lens Module for Compact Camera Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of electronic devices with integrated camera systems is hindered by the thickness of long focal length lenses, which obstructs the compact design of portable devices like smartphones and tablets.
Innovation Solution
A camera system with a telephoto lens module that incorporates a first image sensor, a first assembly with a reflecting member and a driving mechanism, and a second assembly with a lens and a driving mechanism, where the axes of movement are non-parallel, allowing for compact design through the use of magnetic forces and resilient elements to adjust the lens position and orientation for auto focusing and optical image stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a long focal length lens is applied in an electronic device, then high-quality telephoto imaging is achieved, but the thickness of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflecting member (mirror) to change the optical path from linear to folded, allowing light to travel a longer effective distance within a shorter physical thickness. The optical axis is folded at approximately 45 degrees by the reflecting member, enabling the telephoto lens to achieve long focal length imaging while maintaining a compact device profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functional components within a compact stacked arrangement. The reflecting member is positioned between the telephoto lens and the image sensor, with the lens assembly nested above the sensor plane. This nested configuration allows the optical path to be folded back onto itself, achieving long focal length in a short thickness.
2Device complexity
If the lens position is fixed, then the device structure is simplified, but auto focusing functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a driving mechanism that enables the lens to move dynamically along the optical axis for auto focusing. The lens position can be adjusted by driving the lens assembly to move forward or backward, allowing the system to adapt to different focusing distances while maintaining a relatively compact overall structure through the folded optical path.
Solution Approach 2:
The driving mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables auto focusing by moving the lens along the optical axis, and when combined with the reflecting member's rotation capability, it also contributes to optical image stabilization. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate mechanisms, simplifying the overall device complexity.
3Length of moving object
If the lens assembly is stationary, then the device is more compact, but optical image stabilization cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The reflecting member is designed to be rotatable around two axes (first axis and second axis) that are not parallel to each other. This dynamic capability allows the optical path to be adjusted for compensating image displacement caused by device shaking, achieving optical image stabilization while maintaining a compact device thickness through the folded optical design.
Solution Approach 2:
The same driving mechanism that moves the lens for auto focusing also enables the reflecting member to rotate for optical image stabilization. This multi-functional design allows the system to achieve both auto focusing and image stabilization capabilities without significantly increasing device complexity or thickness.
4Ease of manufacture
If a simple lens structure is used, then manufacturing is easier, but imaging precision at long focal length is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By folding the optical path using the reflecting member, the patent achieves an effective long focal length within a short physical distance. This allows the use of a lens with a moderate physical focal length that provides high imaging precision, while the folded optical path gives the equivalent of a much longer focal length in terms of device thickness.
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
Enables the miniaturization of camera systems by reducing the thickness and dimensions of the telephoto lens module, facilitating the integration of high-quality imaging capabilities in portable devices while maintaining the functionality of auto focusing and optical image stabilization.
Implementation Method 1
two third axial coils, disposed on opposite sides of the holder, two third axial magnetic elements corresponding to the third axial coils... when an electrical current is applied to the second axial coil, a magnetic force is generated between the second axial coil and the third axial magnetic elements
Implementation Method 2
a second axial coil and, when an electrical current is applied to the second axial coil, a magnetic force is generated between the second axial coil and the third axial magnetic elements to move the first lens along the second axis
Implementation Method 3
two resilient elements connecting the holder to the frame, wherein the frame is disposed between the two resilient elements
Implementation Method 4
when light enters the telephoto lens along the first axis, light is reflected by the reflecting member and through the first lens along the third axis to the first image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A camera system including a telephoto lens module is provided. The telephoto lens module includes a first image sensor, a first assembly, and a second assembly. The first assembly includes a first driving mechanism and a reflecting member connected to the first driving mechanism. The first driving mechanism is configured to drive the reflecting member to rotate around a first axis and a second axis. The second assembly is disposed between the first assembly and the first image sensor, including a second driving mechanism and a first lens. The second driving mechanism is configured to drive the first lens to move along a third axis. The first, second, and third axes are not parallel to each other. When light enters the telephoto lens along the first axis, light is reflected by the reflecting member and through the first lens along the third axis to the first image sensor.