Image Sensor Stabilizer with Single-Layer Guide Ball for Compact Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera modules face challenges in stabilizing image sensors due to shaking, which can lead to tremors and require multiple guide balls for three-dimensional motion, increasing the module's size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A single-layered guide ball mechanism with actuators and a fixing magnet-yoke system allows for horizontal and rotational movements of the image sensor, reducing tremors and enabling stabilization without increasing module size, and securing the sensor in place even without power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple guide balls are used for three-dimensional motion, then the image sensor stabilization is improved, but the camera module size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple guide balls into a single integrated guide structure that provides three-dimensional motion guidance. This single guide structure replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate guide balls, thereby maintaining the stabilization function while reducing the overall camera module size.
Solution Approach 2:
The single guide structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it guides horizontal movement, vertical movement, and rotational movement of the image sensor. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate guide components for each degree of freedom, achieving compact sizing without compromising stabilization performance.
2Device complexity
If the image sensor is left unsecured when no power is applied, then the device complexity is reduced, but the image sensor may move arbitrarily and cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a magnetic fixing mechanism where a magnet and yoke create an attractive force that counteracts gravitational and external disturbance forces on the image sensor. This passive magnetic holding force secures the sensor in place without power, preventing arbitrary movement and potential damage while maintaining a relatively simple device structure.
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
The solution effectively reduces image sensor tremors and maintains stability with a compact design, allowing for smaller camera modules and preventing damage from arbitrary movements.
Implementation Method 1
an attractive force between a fixing magnet and a yoke can fix the image sensor on a certain position
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor stabilizer includes a lower frame, an upper frame on the lower frame and supporting an image sensor, a first actuator and a second actuator between the lower frame and the upper frame and is configured to drive the upper frame to move in a first direction relative to the lower frame, a third actuator between the lower frame and the upper frame and configured to drive the upper frame to move in a second direction relative to the lower frame, and a guide ball between the lower frame and the upper frame. The first actuator and the second actuator are spaced apart from each other in the second direction. The image sensor stabilizer can be used in a camera module.