Imaging Lens Module with Lorentz Force Auto Focus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lens assemblies are bulky and complex, requiring multiple alignment and calibration steps for accurate assembly, which hampers manufacturing efficiency and yield due to the use of thread structures and voice coil motors for auto focus in camera driver modules.
Innovation Solution
An imaging lens module with an electromagnetic driving component assembly and a lens carrier, utilizing a Lorentz force for parallel movement along the optical axis, simplifying the assembly process and reducing tolerance stack-up, while maintaining high image quality and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If thread structures are used to assemble lens barrel and lens carrier, then the lens assembly can be focused by rotating the lens barrel, but the size of the lens assembly increases and the assembling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical thread structure with a magnetic field-based driving mechanism. The lens carrier includes a magnetic field generating component that interacts with a magnetic component on the lens barrel, enabling focus adjustment through magnetic attraction/repulsion forces rather than mechanical threading. This substitution eliminates the need for complex thread structures while maintaining the rotational focusing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the driving mechanism directly into the lens carrier structure by incorporating the magnetic field generating component as an integral part of the lens carrier. This merging of the drive system with the mounting structure reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall assembly, thereby reducing assembling complexity while preserving focus adjustment capability.
2Extent of automation
If voice coil motor (VCM) is used for auto focus, then the lens assembly can achieve automatic focusing, but the assembly process requires multiple alignment and calibration steps which reduces manufacturing efficiency and yield rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex voice coil motor assembly with a simplified magnetic field-based auto-focus mechanism. The magnetic field generating component and magnetic component interact directly to provide automated focusing without requiring the complex multi-component VCM assembly. This reduction in component count and structural complexity directly translates to fewer alignment and calibration steps during manufacturing, thereby improving productivity and yield rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the voice coil motor from the lens assembly, retaining only the essential magnetic interaction components needed for auto-focus functionality. By removing the VCM and its associated complex assembly requirements, the patent simplifies the manufacturing process while preserving the automated focusing capability.
3Extent of automation
If multiple components are assembled for camera driver module, then the auto focus function can be achieved, but the assembly process becomes complex requiring multiple alignment and calibration steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the camera driver functionality into the lens carrier by integrating the magnetic field generating component directly into the lens carrier structure. This integration consolidates multiple separate components (motor, mounting structure, control elements) into a unified assembly, thereby reducing the number of alignment and calibration steps required while maintaining full auto-focus 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
The solution enhances manufacturing efficiency, reduces assembly complexity, and achieves a compact, high-quality imaging lens module with improved auto focus functionality, suitable for high-end electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
The electromagnetic driving component assembly drives the imaging lens assembly to move in the direction parallel to the optical axis by a Lorentz force generated by an electromagnetic interaction between the first driving component and the second driving component
Implementation Method 2
a Lorentz force generated by an electromagnetic interaction between the first driving component and the second driving component
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging lens module with auto focus function includes an imaging lens assembly, an electromagnetic driving component assembly and a lens carrier. The imaging lens assembly has an optical axis. The electromagnetic driving component assembly drives the imaging lens assembly to move in a direction parallel to the optical axis by a Lorentz force. The imaging lens assembly is mounted to the lens carrier such that the imaging lens assembly can be wholly driven by the Lorentz force. The lens carrier includes an object-side part, a mounting structure and a plurality of plate portions. The object-side part includes a tip-end minimal aperture configured for light to travel through; and a tapered surface which surrounds an area tapered off from image side to object side. The mounting structure and the plate portions are configured for at least a part of the electromagnetic driving component assembly to be mounted thereto.