Lens Actuator Layout With Overlapping Position Sensor and Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of electronic devices, such as cameras and smartphones, complicates the mechanical design of lens focus adjustment, leading to reliability and driving force issues due to the integration of coils and magnets, which affects the precision and effectiveness of lens movement.
Innovation Solution
An optical system comprising a movable part with an optical element, a fixed module, a driving assembly, and a position sensor, where the driving assembly moves the movable part relative to the fixed module, and the position sensor detects the position of the movable part to ensure precise alignment and operation, enhancing the reliability and driving force for lens adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coils and magnets are integrated for lens focus adjustment, then the lens movement function is achieved, but the device size increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical coil-magnet focus adjustment system with a piezoelectric actuator system. The piezoelectric element converts electrical signals directly into mechanical displacement, eliminating the need for bulky coils and magnets while achieving precise lens movement. This substitution reduces device volume and improves reliability by removing complex mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating principle from electromagnetic actuation to piezoelectric actuation. By utilizing the piezoelectric effect where electrical voltage directly produces mechanical strain, the system achieves the same lens focus adjustment function with significantly reduced component size and improved reliability, directly addressing the contradiction between device miniaturization and functional performance.
2Length of moving object
If device miniaturization is pursued, then device thickness is reduced, but mechanical design complexity increases and driving force decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical focus adjustment mechanisms with a piezoelectric actuator that directly couples electrical control to lens displacement. This eliminates the need for intricate mechanical linkages, gears, or levers that would be required in miniaturized devices, thereby reducing mechanical design complexity while maintaining the ability to achieve precise focus adjustment in a thin profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric actuator serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the driving force for lens movement, acts as a position sensor through its piezoresistive properties, and enables precise control without additional mechanical components. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while achieving device miniaturization.
3Length of moving object
If device miniaturization is pursued, then device thickness is reduced, but driving force for lens movement decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the actuation mechanism from electromagnetic to piezoelectric, which provides higher force density in miniaturized configurations. The piezoelectric element generates sufficient driving force directly through material strain, eliminating the need for large electromagnetic coils and magnets. This enables effective lens movement in thin devices while maintaining adequate driving force for focus adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes piezoelectric composite materials that combine high strain output with sufficient force generation capability. These composite materials enable the actuator to deliver the necessary driving force for lens movement while maintaining a compact size, thereby resolving the contradiction between device miniaturization and driving force availability.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system is provided, including a movable part, a fixed module, a driving assembly, a position sensor, and an electronic element. The movable part holds an optical element that defines an optical axis, and the fixed module is movably connected to the movable part and has a base. The driving assembly drives the movable part to move relative to the fixed module. The position sensor is disposed on the base for detecting the position of the movable part relative to the fixed module. The electronic element is disposed on the base, wherein the position sensor overlaps the electronic element when viewed along the optical axis.