Integrated Variable-Aperture Camera Module for Sensor Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical systems in electronic devices lack integration of a driving mechanism between the variable aperture stop and the image sensor actuating module, leading to an oversized design that fails to meet the requirements of high-end-specification electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design incorporating an imaging lens, a variable through hole mechanism, an image sensor, an image sensor actuating module, and a flexible printed circuit, with specific coil and magnet configurations to enable compact integration and miniaturization, allowing for adjustable light intake and sensor movement along or perpendicular to the optical axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a variable aperture stop is added to adjust depth of field and control light intake, then image quality and functionality are improved, but the overall size of the optical system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the variable aperture stop driving mechanism with the image sensor actuating module into a single integrated structure. The aperture stop is positioned at the same location where the image sensor would be, and both the aperture driving mechanism and sensor actuating mechanism share common structural elements and space, thereby adding aperture functionality without proportionally increasing overall system volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated module serves multiple functions: it acts as both the variable aperture stop mechanism and the image sensor actuating module. The driving mechanisms are designed to perform dual purposes - controlling aperture opening while also enabling image sensor movement for focusing and optical image stabilization, thus reducing the need for separate dedicated mechanisms for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate driving mechanisms are used for variable aperture stop and image sensor actuation, then functional independence is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the driving mechanisms by positioning both the aperture stop driving mechanism and image sensor actuating mechanism in close proximity and using shared structural components. The mechanisms are designed to operate independently in terms of control signals and functional output, but physically integrated to reduce overall complexity and component count.
Solution Approach 2:
While integrating the mechanisms, the patent maintains functional segmentation by keeping the control pathways and actuation paths separate. The aperture driving mechanism and sensor actuating mechanism are designed as distinct functional units within the integrated structure, allowing independent control and operation while benefiting from shared space and structural support.
3Manufacturing precision
If a larger image sensor is used to improve image quality, then image quality is improved, but depth of field becomes overly shallow causing background blur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable aperture stop that can dynamically adjust its opening size. This allows the system to adapt the depth of field in real-time based on imaging conditions. When a larger image sensor is used, the aperture can be reduced in size to maintain appropriate depth of field, and vice versa, providing dynamic control over the relationship between sensor size and depth of field.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable aperture mechanism enables changing the aperture parameter (opening size) to compensate for changes in sensor size. By adjusting the aperture diameter, the system can control the amount of light entering and the depth of field, allowing the use of larger sensors without permanently fixing the depth of field to an overly shallow state.
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 design achieves a compact and efficient camera module that can adjust light intake and sensor position, enhancing image quality and meeting the requirements of high-end electronic devices by optimizing the integration of variable aperture and image sensor actuation.
Implementation Method 1
The first driving mechanism includes at least one first coil and at least one first magnet that are disposed opposite to each other
Implementation Method 2
The second driving mechanism includes at least one second coil and at least one second magnet that are disposed opposite to each other
Implementation Method 3
The image sensor is configured to convert imaging light passing through the imaging lens into an image signal
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module includes an imaging lens having an optical axis, a variable through hole mechanism, an image sensor, an image sensor actuating module and a flexible printed circuit. The variable through hole mechanism is disposed corresponding to the imaging lens to adjust an amount of light into the imaging lens. The image sensor is disposed on the optical axis and is configured to convert imaging light passing through the imaging lens into an image signal. The image sensor actuating module is configured to move the image sensor. The variable through hole mechanism and the image sensor actuating module each have a coil disposed on the flexible printed circuit. The flexible printed circuit is electrically connected to the variable through hole mechanism and the image sensor actuating module.