Movable Image Sensor OIS Actuator for Precise Driving Force Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing weight of lens modules in camera modules has made it difficult to precisely control the driving force for optical image stabilization, leading to challenges in achieving precise image stabilization.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves an actuator for optical image stabilization that includes a fixed frame, a moving frame, a first ball member, a first driver, magnetic bodies, and a sensor substrate with an image sensor. The moving frame is configured to linearly and rotatably move on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, and the first driver provides a driving force to the moving frame using magnetic and coil components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the lens module weight is increased to improve camera performance, then the image quality is improved, but the control precision of the driving force for optical image stabilization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidcontrol precision of driving force
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of moving the heavy lens module for optical image stabilization, this patent inverts the approach by moving the image sensor in the opposite direction. The image sensor is mounted on a moving frame that can be precisely positioned using electromagnetic actuators, while the lens module remains fixed or is moved by a separate focusing actuator. This inversion allows precise control of the lighter image sensor rather than the heavier lens module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The camera module is segmented into separate functional components: a fixed frame holding the lens module, and a moving frame holding the image sensor. The moving frame is independently controllable through electromagnetic actuators (coils and magnets), allowing precise positioning of the image sensor without being affected by the weight and control issues of the lens module. This segmentation enables independent optimization of each component's function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the lens module weight is increased, then the camera performance is improved, but the precision of optical image stabilization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera performanceVSAvoidprecision of optical image stabilization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies optical image stabilization by moving the image sensor in the opposite direction to compensate for hand shake, rather than moving the lens module. The image sensor is mounted on a moving frame that can be precisely positioned using electromagnetic actuators, enabling accurate stabilization despite the heavy lens module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical system for optical image stabilization is replaced with an electromagnetic system. Instead of using mechanical motors to move the lens module, the patent uses electromagnetic actuators (coils and magnets) to precisely position the image sensor. This substitution provides better control precision and responsiveness for stabilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a driver is added to move the lens module, then the focusing function is achieved, but the weight increases and control precision of optical image stabilization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefocusing functionVSAvoidcontrol precision of driving force
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The camera module is segmented into separate functional components: a fixed frame holding the lens module with its own focusing actuator, and a moving frame holding the image sensor with electromagnetic actuators for stabilization. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the lens module can have a simple focusing mechanism while the image sensor receives precise electromagnetic control for stabilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnetic actuator system serving the image sensor can potentially serve dual purposes: positioning the image sensor for both focusing compensation and optical image stabilization. The same moving frame and actuator system that enables focusing functionality also provides the precision control needed for stabilization, eliminating the need for separate heavy driving mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution enables precise control of the driving force for optical image stabilization, allowing for more accurate movement of the image sensor, which improves the overall image stabilization performance.

Implementation Method 1

a first driver, disposed on the moving frame and the fixed frame, configured to provide a driving force to the moving frame; a plurality of magnetic bodies disposed on the fixed frame to generate attractive force with respect to the first driver disposed on the moving frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS12348868B2Camera module actuator for optical image stabilization with movable image sensor
Publication Date: 2025.07.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRO MECHANICS CO LTD
  • US12348868B2 patent drawing
  • US12348868B2 patent drawing
  • US12348868B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An actuator for optical image stabilization, includes a fixed frame having an internal space; a moving frame, accommodated in the internal space, configured to linearly and rotatably move on a plane perpendicular to an optical axis; a first ball member disposed between the fixed frame and the moving frame; a first driver, disposed on the moving frame and the fixed frame, configured to provide a driving force to the moving frame; a plurality of magnetic bodies disposed on the fixed frame to generate attractive force with respect to the first driver disposed on the moving frame; a sensor substrate having a portion coupled to the moving frame to be movable, together with the moving frame, and another portion coupled to the fixed frame; and an image sensor disposed on the portion of the sensor substrate.