Image Sensor Actuator for Optical Stabilization Without Heavy Lens Motion

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing weight of lens modules in camera modules complicates precise control of driving forces for optical image stabilization, making it difficult to achieve high-resolution imaging.

Innovation Solution

An actuator design featuring a fixed frame, a movable moving frame, and a driving unit with magnets and coils, along with a sensor substrate and extension substrate, allows for precise movement of the image sensor to stabilize images, using sub-driving units to generate forces in perpendicular directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging qualityVSAvoidcontrol precision of driving force

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the camera module into two separate functional units: a lens module for focus adjustment and an image sensor module for optical image stabilization. By segmenting the stabilization function from the heavy lens module and assigning it to the lighter image sensor module, the control precision is improved while maintaining imaging quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of moving the lens module for optical image stabilization as in conventional designs, this patent inverts the approach by moving the image sensor module. This inversion allows the lighter image sensor to perform stabilization while the lens module remains focused on its primary function, resolving the control precision issue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Manufacturing precision

If the lens module weight is increased to improve camera performance, then the imaging quality is improved, but mechanical interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging qualityVSAvoidmechanical interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the camera module into independent lens and image sensor modules, each with dedicated functions. The lens module handles focus adjustment while the image sensor module handles stabilization, eliminating mechanical interference between the two functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

By inverting the conventional approach and using the image sensor module instead of the lens module for stabilization, the patent eliminates the mechanical interference that would occur if the heavy lens module were moved for stabilization purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Measurement precision

If the image sensor is moved for stabilization instead of the lens module, then the control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precision of driving forceVSAvoidactuator structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The image sensor module is designed to serve dual functions: capturing images and performing optical image stabilization. By making the image sensor module multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate stabilization mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining control precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the conventional stabilization approach by using the image sensor module instead of the lens module. This inversion simplifies the actuator structure because the image sensor module is inherently lighter and better suited for precise positional control, even though it changes the traditional functional assignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 enables precise optical image stabilization by moving the lighter image sensor, improving stabilization accuracy and reducing the risk of mechanical interference.

Implementation Method 1

a first driving unit including a plurality of magnets disposed on the fixed frame, and a plurality of coils disposed on the moving frame and configured to be movable together with the moving frame relative to the fixed frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12439159B2Actuator for optical image stabilization and camera module including actuator for optical image stabilization

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 SAMSUNG ELECTRO MECHANICS CO LTD

AI summary

An actuator for optical image stabilization includes a fixed frame having an internal space; a moving frame disposed in the fixed frame and configured to be movable relative to the fixed frame; a first driving unit including a plurality of magnets disposed on the fixed frame, and a plurality of coils disposed on the moving frame and configured to be movable together with the moving frame relative to the fixed frame; and a sensor substrate including a moving part coupled to the moving frame and configured to be movable together with the moving frame relative to the fixed frame; and an extension substrate extending from one side of the sensor substrate and covering a portion of at least one surface of the fixed frame, wherein an image sensor is disposed on the moving part of the sensor substrate, and a control unit is disposed on the extension substrate.