Lens Driving Mechanism with Integrated Iris for Autofocus Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera modules face challenges in integrating an iris actuator without an iris signal connecting line for driving an AF, leading to magnetic interference issues.

Innovation Solution

A lens driving mechanism where the iris is integrally formed with a bobbin, with a bobbin-based iris unit interposed between the iris and auto focus driving parts, allowing connection without interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If an iris actuator is integrated into a miniaturized lens driving mechanism, then the device achieves DSLR-level iris functionality in a compact form factor, but magnetic interference occurs between the iris and auto focus driving parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidmagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the driving mechanism into separate functional modules: an iris driving part and an auto focus driving part. The iris unit is segmented from the main lens driving mechanism, allowing independent control and signal routing. This segmentation prevents magnetic interference by isolating the magnetic fields of different driving components while maintaining compact integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary structure (the bobbin with integrated iris unit) that acts as a mediator between the housing and the lens module. This intermediary component provides a dedicated pathway for iris actuation signals while physically separating the iris driving mechanism from the auto focus mechanism, thereby eliminating magnetic interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If an iris actuator is connected without an iris signal connecting line, then the structure is simplified, but magnetic interference affects the auto focus driving

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection structureVSAvoidsignal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the iris unit with the bobbin structure, integrating the iris actuator directly into the bobbin assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate signal connecting lines while maintaining electrical connectivity through the integrated structure. The combined structure simplifies the overall connection architecture while preventing signal interference through physical integration and isolation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If the iris is integrally formed with the bobbin, then the manufacturing process is simplified and precision is improved, but the design complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveiris positioningVSAvoidintegrated structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the iris unit with the bobbin into a single integrated assembly. The iris is formed as part of the bobbin structure, eliminating separate mounting steps and improving positioning precision. This integration ensures precise alignment between the iris and other optical components while simplifying the overall manufacturing process through reduced assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bobbin structure serves multiple functions: it acts as the rotational support for the lens module, provides the mounting structure for the iris unit, and serves as the mechanical linkage for auto focus operation. By making the bobbin multi-functional, the patent reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining high manufacturing precision for the integrated iris positioning.

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

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 a DSLR-level iris on a miniaturized lens driving mechanism, minimizing FPCB interference and achieving precise iris actuation.

Implementation Method 1

a first driving part (220, 320) disposed at the bobbin; a second driving part (220, 320) disposed at the housing and facing the first driving part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

an iris unit (400) coupled with the bobbin... a third driving part, a fourth driving part facing the third driving part, and first and second blades interacting with the third driving part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentUS12405511B2Lens driving mechanism, camera module, and optical device
Publication Date: 2025.09.02 LG INNOTEK CO LTD
  • US12405511B2 patent drawing
  • US12405511B2 patent drawing
  • US12405511B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a camera module comprising: a housing; a bobbin arranged inside the housing; a first magnet arranged on the bobbin; a first coil arranged in the housing and facing the first magnet; a plurality of lenses attached to the bobbin; and an iris unit coupled to the bobbin, wherein the plurality of lenses comprises a first lens and a second lens distanced from each other, and at least a portion of the iris unit is positioned between the first lens and the second lens.