Liquid Crystalline Polymer Camera Module Actuator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera module actuator assemblies using ceramic ball bearings cause surface dents, leading to noise and performance issues due to their strong but abrasive nature.
Innovation Solution
A polymer composition comprising a liquid crystalline polymer matrix with naphthenic hydroxycarboxylic and/or dicarboxylic acids and mineral fillers, which offers improved mechanical properties and reduced surface friction, allowing for effective use in camera modules without causing dents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If ceramic ball bearings are used in actuator assemblies, then strength and durability are improved, but surface friction increases causing dents and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameters from conventional ceramic to a specialized polymer composition with specific molecular structure (liquid crystalline polymer with naphthenic hydroxycarboxylic acid units) and controlled physical properties (melt viscosity 30-400 Pa-s at specific conditions). This parameter transformation maintains the required strength while fundamentally altering the friction characteristics to eliminate surface damage and noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a composite material system consisting of liquid crystalline polymer as the base matrix, supplemented with specific additives and fillers. This composite structure combines the high strength requirements with low friction properties, achieving both durability and noise reduction that neither conventional ceramic nor simple polymer could provide alone.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional polymer materials are used, then surface friction is reduced, but mechanical strength and durability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms ordinary polymer materials into high-performance material by changing their molecular parameters. The liquid crystalline polymer structure with specific naphthenic hydroxycarboxylic acid units provides both the low friction surface properties and the enhanced mechanical strength, achieving a dual improvement that conventional polymers cannot attain.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If ceramic materials are used for ball bearings, then durability is improved, but noise and surface damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameters from hard ceramic to a specially engineered polymer with unique viscoelastic properties. The liquid crystalline structure provides durability through molecular alignment and crystallinity while the polymer nature eliminates noise generation, fundamentally resolving the noise-durability trade-off.
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module comprising a polymer composition that includes a polymer matrix containing a liquid crystalline polymer and a mineral filler is provided. The liquid crystalline polymer contains repeating units derived from naphthenic hydroxycarboxylic and/or dicarboxylic acids in an amount of about 10 mol. % or more of the polymer. Further, the polymer composition exhibits a melt viscosity of from about 30 to about 400 Pa-s, as determined at a shear rate of 400 seconds−1 and at a temperature 15° C. higher than the melting temperature of the composition in accordance with ISO Test No. 11443:2005.