Lens Barrel and Diaphragm Assembly With Shared AF Wiring

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manufacturing cost and assembly complexity of camera modules are increased due to the separate actuator-controlled diaphragm, which requires continuous electrical connection along the optical axis between the main board and the diaphragm, making it difficult to combine and assemble the lenses effectively.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design featuring a diaphragm set movably supported inside a housing with a first drive unit comprising a coil and magnet, allowing the lens barrel and diaphragm to move together along the optical axis, and a second drive unit with terminals connected to the diaphragm for convenient electrical connection and shared wiring with the auto focusing device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a separate actuator-controlled diaphragm is used between the front lens and rear lens, then the diaphragm can adjust the lens opening degree, but the manufacturing cost increases and assembly becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediaphragm opening adjustmentVSAvoidassembly difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the diaphragm assembly with the lens barrel structure, integrating the diaphragm driving mechanism into the lens barrel rather than using a separate actuator. The diaphragm assembly includes a diaphragm blade, diaphragm blade holder, and driving mechanism that are integrated into the lens barrel, eliminating the need for separate actuators and reducing assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lens barrel structure serves multiple functions: it holds the lens groups, provides the optical path, and integrates the diaphragm assembly. The lens barrel acts as both a mechanical support structure and a housing for the diaphragm mechanism, reducing the number of separate components needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a separate actuator-controlled diaphragm is used between the front lens and rear lens, then the diaphragm can adjust the lens opening degree, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediaphragm opening adjustmentVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the diaphragm assembly with the lens barrel structure, integrating the diaphragm driving mechanism into the lens barrel rather than using a separate actuator. The diaphragm assembly includes a diaphragm blade, diaphragm blade holder, and driving mechanism that are integrated into the lens barrel, eliminating the need for separate actuators and reducing assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lens barrel structure serves multiple functions: it holds the lens groups, provides the optical path, and integrates the diaphragm assembly. The lens barrel acts as both a mechanical support structure and a housing for the diaphragm mechanism, reducing the number of separate components needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the diaphragm is located between the front lens and rear lens with continuous electrical connection, then the diaphragm can be controlled, but the wiring becomes complex and assembly becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediaphragm controlVSAvoidwiring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the electrical connection requirements from the diaphragm control mechanism by using a magnetic driving mechanism. The first drive unit uses a magnet and coil to drive the diaphragm assembly without requiring continuous electrical connections to the diaphragm itself, simplifying the wiring structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces electrical driving mechanisms with a magnetic driving mechanism for the diaphragm. The first drive unit uses a magnet fixed to the diaphragm assembly and a coil in the lens barrel to provide contactless driving, eliminating the need for complex electrical connections and sliding contacts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This design minimizes external terminals, simplifies wiring, reduces manufacturing costs, and facilitates easy assembly of the lens barrel by integrating the diaphragm control unit with the sensor and using common terminals for both auto focusing and diaphragm driving, thereby enhancing the convenience of lens assembly.

Implementation Method 1

a first drive unit comprising a first coil and a first magnet which enable the lens barrel and the diaphragm set to move together in the optical axis direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interaction: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

the diaphragm set has a second drive unit for driving the diaphragms disposed therein, wherein the second drive unit comprises a second coil and a second magnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interaction: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS11789338B2Camera lens barrel, camera module, and optical device
Publication Date: 2023.10.17 LG INNOTEK CO LTD
  • US11789338B2 patent drawing
  • US11789338B2 patent drawing
  • US11789338B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention comprises: a base; a housing disposed at one side of the base; a lens barrel disposed inside the housing; a cover disposed at one side of the housing; a first substrate disposed at the other side of the base; an image sensor which is installed on the first substrate, and disposed below the lens barrel; a diaphragm set which is movably supported inside the housing and which adjusts the amount of light incident to the lens barrel; a first drive unit comprising a first coil and a first magnet which enable the lens barrel and the diaphragm set to move together in the optical axis direction; and a second substrate which is attached to the housing and comprises a plurality of terminals which protrude to the outside as a result of the drive of the first drive unit, wherein the diaphragm set has a second drive unit for driving the diaphragms disposed therein, and the terminals are also connected to the second drive unit.