Image Blur Correction Device Nested Drive Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image blur correction devices face challenges in downsizing, as the inclusion of drive sources around optical elements increases the size in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis, compromising the reduction of outer shape dimensions.

Innovation Solution

The image blur correction device employs a configuration with a driven member, actuators, first and second movable members, and a fixing member, where the fixing member is sandwiched between the driven and movable members, utilizing vibration wave motors to efficiently move the image pickup element within a plane, thereby reducing size in both orthogonal directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a drive source is provided around the optical elements, then the optical elements can be moved in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis, but the size in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement capability of optical elementsVSAvoidsize in direction orthogonal to optical axis
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The drive source is nested within the structure formed by the driven member and movable members, with the fixing member sandwiched between them. This nesting arrangement allows the drive source to be integrated into the existing structural space without increasing the overall area in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a conventional arrangement where the drive source is positioned around optical elements to a configuration where the drive source is integrated within the planar structure. By changing the spatial dimension of the drive source arrangement, the patent achieves movement capability while maintaining a compact footprint in the orthogonal direction.

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

2Area of stationary object

If the outer shape dimension is reduced, then the device is downsized, but the drive source arrangement becomes more constrained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveouter shape dimensionVSAvoiddrive source arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drive source is merged with the structural components (driven member, movable members, and fixing member) to form an integrated assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate drive source mounting structures and reduces the overall device footprint while maintaining driving functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The drive source is nested within the space defined by the driven member and movable members, utilizing the existing structural volume. This nesting approach allows for compact device dimensions while accommodating the drive source without requiring additional external space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Area of stationary object

If the fixing member is sandwiched between the driven member and movable members, then the device is downsized, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidstructural configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing member is nested within the arrangement of the driven member and movable members, creating a compact layered structure. This nesting configuration reduces the overall device area while the fixing member provides essential structural support and positioning functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is segmented into distinct functional components (driven member, movable members, fixing member, and drive source), each performing a specific function. This segmentation allows for optimized design of each component while maintaining overall compactness, with the fixing member serving as a structural anchor point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration allows for a downsized image blur correction device and image pickup apparatus by effectively moving the image pickup element within the XY plane, maintaining efficient driving forces and minimizing size increases in the XY direction, while ensuring accurate positioning and image quality.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing vibration wave motors to efficiently move the image pickup element within a plane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration wave motor: Ultrasonic Motor

Data Source

PatentEP3690543B1Driving device, image blur correction device, and image pickup apparatus including image blur correction device
Publication Date: 2022.10.12 CANON KK
  • EP3690543B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3690543B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3690543B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

Provided is an image blur correction device, including a driven member configured to hold a correction target member; a plurality of actuators configured to move a driven member within a plane; a first movable member configured to guide a movement of the driven member in a first direction; a second movable member configured to guide a movement of the driven member in a second direction different from the first direction; and a fixing member configured to movably hold the driven member, the first movable member, and the second movable member, wherein the fixing member is sandwiched at least between the driven member and the first movable member or between the driven member and the second movable member.