Lens Driving Module Structure Without Magnet Housing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera modules face challenges in miniaturization and cost reduction while maintaining performance for high-resolution imaging and functions like autofocus and zooming, particularly with the integration of voice coil motors.

Innovation Solution

A lens moving apparatus with a simplified structure that stabilizes a magnet without a housing, using a base with stepped portions and elastic members to secure the magnet, reducing the number of components and manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a housing is used to secure the magnet in existing camera modules, then the magnet is stably secured, but the number of components increases and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnet stabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base is designed to integrate multiple functions: it provides structural support for the voice coil motor assembly and simultaneously secures the magnet through integrated stepped portions. This merging of the base structure with the magnet securing function eliminates the need for a separate housing, reducing component count while maintaining magnet stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The base serves multiple purposes: it acts as the mounting structure for the voice coil motor, provides positioning features through stepped portions for securing the magnet, and offers structural support for the entire assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count while maintaining structural integrity and magnet stability

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

2Volume of moving object

If traditional VCM technology is applied to miniaturize the camera module, then the camera module size is reduced, but the structure becomes more complex and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera module sizeVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base integrates the magnet securing structure directly into its design through stepped portions, eliminating the need for a separate housing component. This merging reduces both the number of parts and the overall complexity of the assembly while maintaining compact dimensions suitable for miniaturized camera modules

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing component traditionally used to secure the magnet is extracted from the design entirely. Instead, the magnet is secured directly to the base through integrated stepped portions, simplifying the overall structure while achieving the same magnet securing function and reducing component count

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If the number of components is reduced to lower manufacturing costs, then manufacturing costs decrease, but the stability of securing the magnet may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidmagnet securing stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The base features localized stepped portions at specific positions where the magnet needs to be secured. These stepped portions provide precise positioning and stable securing of the magnet through adhesive injection recesses, while the rest of the base maintains its structural support function. This localized structural enhancement ensures magnet stability without requiring additional components throughout the entire assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 enables a compact, cost-effective camera module with improved stability and reduced component count, facilitating the integration of advanced features like autofocus in subminiature camera systems.

Implementation Method 1

an upper elastic member and a lower elastic member which elastically support the bobbin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a coil and a magnet which generate an electromagnetic force for driving the bobbin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP3663848B1Lens driving device, and camera module and optical device comprising same
Publication Date: 2024.02.14 LG INNOTEK CO LTD
  • EP3663848B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3663848B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3663848B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An embodiment comprises: a base including a body having an opening, and a first post portion, a second post portion, a third post portion, and a fourth post portion which protrude from the body; a bobbin disposed on the body; a coil disposed around the bobbin; a first magnet disposed between the first post portion and the second post portion; a second magnet disposed between the third post portion and the fourth post portion; a lower elastic member coupled to the lower portion of the bobbin and the base; and an upper elastic member coupled to the upper portion of the bobbin and the first to fourth post portions, wherein the lower elastic member is disposed inside the first to fourth post portions of the base, and the lower elastic member is coupled to the base between the first post portion and the fourth post portion adjacent to the first post portion.