Optical Lens Holder Actuation for Integrated AF and Image Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical pickup apparatuses in slim electronic devices face challenges in accurately controlling auto-focusing due to the use of magnets, which are not suitable for precise position control, making it difficult to integrate image stabilization and auto focus functions within a single module.

Innovation Solution

An optical adjusting apparatus with integrated image stabilization and auto focus functions, utilizing voice coil motor (VCM) actuators that move the lens holder in X-Y and Z axes, with electromagnetic interactions between magnets and coils allowing independent control of each axis, enabling precise position adjustment and slimming down the apparatus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If magnets are used for implementing image stabilization and auto focus functions, then both functions can be integrated within one module, but accurate position control for auto-focusing becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration of image stabilization and auto focus functionsVSAvoidposition control accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the optical adjusting apparatus into separate actuators: a first actuator dedicated to image stabilization and a second actuator dedicated to auto focus. This segmentation allows each actuator to be optimized for its specific function, with the second actuator using a non-magnetic driving mechanism to achieve accurate position control for auto-focusing while the first actuator handles image stabilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If separate modules are used for image stabilization and auto focus functions, then accurate position control can be achieved, but the apparatus becomes bulkier and cannot be slimmed down

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition control accuracyVSAvoidapparatus size
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the image stabilization and auto focus functions into a single integrated optical adjusting apparatus. By using a second actuator with a non-magnetic driving mechanism that can precisely control lens position, the patent achieves accurate auto-focus control while maintaining a compact, slim design suitable for modern electronic devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If conventional magnetic actuators are used, then the apparatus structure is simple, but the driving accuracy for auto-focusing is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuator structure simplicityVSAvoiddriving accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional magnetic actuator system with a non-magnetic driving mechanism for the second actuator. This substitution eliminates the limitations of magnetic actuators in achieving precise position control, enabling accurate auto-focusing while maintaining a relatively simple overall apparatus structure.

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

The solution allows for accurate and independent control of image stabilization and auto focus functions, effectively integrating both within a single module, thereby enabling the development of slimmer electronic devices by eliminating the need for separate modules and improving position control accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

with electromagnetic interactions between magnets and coils allowing independent control of each axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interaction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

with electromagnetic interactions between magnets and coils allowing independent control of each axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interaction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2743750B1Optical adjusting apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.10.25 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2743750B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2743750B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2743750B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an optical adjusting apparatus (10) having an optical adjusting lens (100) for image stabilization and auto focusing, which includes a lens holder (120) that supports the optical adjusting lens (100); at least one image stabilization VCM actuator unit (200) that moves the lens holder (120) perpendicular to an optical axis of the optical adjusting lens (100), the image stabilization VCM actuator unit (200) including a magnet (222) with a neutral zone parallel to the optical axis; and an auto focusing VCM actuator unit (300) that moves the lens holder (120) in an optical axis direction, the auto focusing VCM actuator unit (300) including a magnet (320) with a neutral zone orthogonal to the optical axis.