Lens Driving Module Layout for Low-Height OIS Without Interference

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera modules face challenges in miniaturization and multifunctionality, particularly in implementing voice coil motor (VCM) technology for subminiature, low-power applications, and in achieving spatial interference-free designs for optical image stabilizers with small height.

Innovation Solution

A lens moving apparatus is designed with a bobbin, coil, magnet, and elastic members, featuring a housing with specific adhesive injection recesses and protrusions to prevent spatial interference, and includes a damper on the inclined surface for vibration absorption, enabling a compact optical image stabilizer with autofocus and handshake compensation functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the housing structure is simplified to reduce device complexity, then manufacturing ease improves, but spatial interference between components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing easeVSAvoidspatial interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into multiple segments including a first housing, second housing, and third housing, each with specific functions. The first housing contains the coil, the second housing contains the magnet, and the third housing provides additional structural support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall compactness and avoiding spatial interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement by stacking multiple housings in the optical axis direction and arranging components in radial directions. The inclined surface and protrusion structures create additional spatial dimensions for component placement, enabling the system to fit more elements without increasing the overall footprint area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Length of moving object

If the height of the optical image stabilizer is reduced for miniaturization, then device size improves, but spatial interference between the housing and supporting members increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveheightVSAvoidspatial interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting members are nested within the housing structure, with the first supporting member positioned inside the first housing and the second supporting member positioned inside the second housing. This nesting arrangement allows the supporting members to be integrated into the housing volume rather than adding to the external dimensions, achieving miniaturization without spatial interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting members are designed with elastic properties to provide dynamic support and absorption of mechanical stress. This dynamic characteristic allows the supporting members to adapt to space constraints within the compact housing while maintaining their support function, preventing spatial interference even in the reduced height configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Length of moving object

If the housing and upper spring spatial interference is prevented for compact design, then device size improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is segmented into multiple parts with distinct functions, allowing the upper spring to be positioned in a specific region (the third housing) that is spatially separated from critical components. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process by allowing each segment to be manufactured and assembled independently, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the compact design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The third housing acts as an intermediary structure that positions the upper spring away from other components, preventing spatial interference. This intermediary element simplifies manufacturing by providing a dedicated space for the spring without requiring complex integration with other components, thus reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining compact size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 a compact, interference-free lens moving apparatus that effectively performs optical image stabilization and autofocus, enhancing the functionality and miniaturization of camera modules while maintaining a small height.

Implementation Method 1

a second magnet disposed so as to be opposite to the first coil, the second magnet being configured to move the bobbin in a direction parallel to an optical axis via electromagnetic interaction with the first coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interaction: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

upper and lower elastic members coupled to the bobbin and the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

a damping member arranged at a connecting portion between the bobbin and the first elastic member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP4160306B1Lens driving device, and camera module and optical device comprising same
Publication Date: 2024.05.15 LG INNOTEK CO LTD
  • EP4160306B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4160306B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4160306B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An embodiment comprises: a housing including a hole; a bobbin disposed in the housing; a first coil disposed in the bobbin; a magnet disposed in the housing; an upper elastic member coupled to an upper portion of the housing; a support member coupled to the upper elastic member through the hole; and a base disposed under the housing, wherein the housing comprises: a first surface to which the upper elastic member is coupled; a second surface which is disposed at a position higher than a bottom surface of the housing and lower than the first surface; and a sloped surface which is adjacent to the second surface and has a predetermined angle with respect to the second surface, and wherein the hole is formed in the area of at least one of the second surface and the sloped surface.