Integrated Lens Barrel with Electrostatic MEMS Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Contemporary miniature cameras lack features like autofocus, zoom, and image stabilization due to size constraints, and their fixed focus and small aperture limit their use in low-light conditions and varied applications.

Innovation Solution

An integrated lens barrel for miniature cameras incorporating a shutter, autofocus mechanism, and image stabilization, utilizing electrostatic MEMS actuators to actuate these features, allowing for a compact design that includes stretchable components to adjust lens position and length, enabling autofocus, zoom, and image stabilization without increasing camera size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If miniature cameras use a fixed focus mechanism with small aperture, then the depth of field is sufficient for wide range distances, but the amount of light used to form the image is limited and focus cannot be changed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocus adjustment capabilityVSAvoidlight amount for image formation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic aperture mechanism that can change the aperture size from a small fixed state to a larger adjustable state. The aperture blade assembly allows the aperture diameter to be varied, enabling the camera to adapt between deep depth of field (small aperture) and sufficient light intake (large aperture) based on shooting conditions, while also allowing focus adjustment through lens position changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If desirable features such as autofocus, zoom, and image stabilization are incorporated into miniature cameras, then camera functionality is improved, but the size of the camera increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera features (autofocus, zoom, image stabilization)VSAvoidcamera size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple camera functions (autofocus, aperture control, and structural support) into a single integrated lens barrel assembly. The lens barrel serves both as the mechanical housing for optical components and as the actuator for autofocus through its elastic deformation capability, eliminating the need for separate autofocus mechanisms and reducing overall camera size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs an elastic lens barrel made from flexible materials that can deform to adjust lens position for autofocus. The barrel's elasticity allows it to stretch and compress, moving the lens element forward or backward without requiring complex mechanical drive mechanisms, thus maintaining compact dimensions while enabling autofocus functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Stability of the object's composition

If the lens barrel is made rigid to support optical components, then structural stability is maintained, but the ability to adjust lens position for autofocus is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens barrel structural stabilityVSAvoidlens position adjustment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lens barrel transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can elastically deform. The barrel is designed with controlled flexibility in the radial direction, allowing it to stretch and compress for lens position adjustment while maintaining sufficient structural stability to support optical components and resist external disturbances during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables the construction of smaller, cost-effective miniature cameras with desirable features like autofocus and image stabilization, suitable for use in personal electronic devices, while maintaining a compact form factor and improving performance in low-light conditions.

Implementation Method 1

One or more electrostatic MEMS actuators can be used to actuate the shutter, autofocus mechanism, zoom mechanism, and/or image stabilization mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic force: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

Rotating the ring causes the ramp formed upon the ring to cooperate with the ramp formed upon the barrel so as to effect deformation, e.g., stretching, of the barrel such that a lens disposed within the barrel is moved

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8004780B2Integrated lens barrel

Publication Date: 2011.08.23 DIGITALPTICS MEMS

AI summary

An integrated lens barrel for a miniature camera is disclosed. The lens barrel can include components such as a shutter, an autofocus mechanism, a zoom mechanism, and/or an image stabilization mechanism. These and/or components can define a portion of the lens barrel that increases the length of the lens barrel. An electrostatic MEMS actuator can be used to effect movement of the autofocus mechanism, zoom mechanism, and/or image stabilization mechanism. Integrating the shutter, autofocus mechanism, zoom mechanism, and/or image stabilization mechanism into the lens barrel facilitates the construction of a substantially smaller camera that is suitable for use in personal electronic devices, such as cellular telephones.