Image Sensor Shift Mechanism With Integrated Coil for Compact Blur Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image blur correction mechanisms, such as those using a voice coil motor (VCM) system, increase power consumption and hinder camera miniaturization due to the need for continuous driving force and external placement of heavy yoke members and magnets.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus design with a fixing member, a magnet, and a movable member that includes a coil, where the coil is positioned to overlap with the imaging element, reducing the need for external yoke members and magnets, and minimizing the size of the blur correction mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a voice coil motor (VCM) system is used with the movable part provided with a magnet and the fixing part provided with a coil, then the imaging element can be maintained at an appropriate position through continuous driving force generation, but power consumption increases and the size of the image blur correction mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional VCM configuration by placing the magnet on the fixing part and the coil on the movable part instead of the conventional arrangement. This inversion enables the coil to be integrated with the imaging element assembly, allowing the use of the imaging element's substrate as part of the coil support structure, thereby reducing overall power consumption and enabling camera miniaturization
2Reliability
If the movable part is provided with heavy yoke members and magnets in addition to the imaging element, then the imaging element can be maintained at an appropriate position, but driving power must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the coil structure with the imaging element substrate, integrating two previously separate components into one unified structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate heavy yoke members and reduces the overall weight of the movable part, thereby reducing the driving power required while maintaining position stability
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging element substrate serves multiple functions: it acts as both the support for the imaging elements and as the support structure for the coil. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components like separate yoke members, thereby reducing weight and driving power requirements
3Reliability
If the VCM is disposed outside the imaging element, then the imaging element can be maintained at an appropriate position, but the size of the image blur correction mechanism along a plane perpendicular to the optical axis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the coil is disposed on the movable part that holds the imaging element, effectively nesting the coil within the existing imaging element assembly footprint. This nesting approach allows the blur correction mechanism to maintain position capability while minimizing the area occupied in the plane perpendicular to the optical axis
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 design reduces power consumption and allows for a more compact imaging apparatus by minimizing the size of the blur correction mechanism without increasing the weight of the movable part, thereby enhancing the number of photos that can be taken and facilitating camera miniaturization.
Implementation Method 1
a driving force is generated by energizing the coil in a magnetic circuit formed by the magnet
Data Source
AI summary
In an imaging apparatus, a fixing member disposed on a main body of the imaging apparatus, a magnet held by the fixing member, an imaging element, a first movable member that holds the imaging element and is movable with respect to the fixing member in a direction orthogonal to an optical axis of the imaging element; and a coil held by the first movable member and disposed at a position facing the magnet are provided. A part of the fixing member is located at a position interposed between the imaging element and the first movable member in a direction of the optical axis, and a part of the coil is located so as to overlap with the imaging element on a projection plane perpendicular to the optical axis.