Lens Moving Unit with Dual-Axis VCM Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Miniaturized camera modules face challenges in integrating Voice Coil Motor (VCM) technology and require effective handshake shake correction mechanisms, which are often complex and difficult to miniaturize, especially in small electronic devices like smartphones.

Innovation Solution

A lens moving unit comprising a bobbin with a coil and a magnet system that moves parallel to the optical axis for auto focusing, and a separate system with a support member and detection sensor to move perpendicular to the optical axis for handshake correction, incorporating elastic members and stoppers for stabilization and collision prevention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If VCM technology is used in miniaturized camera modules, then auto focusing function is achieved, but device size cannot be reduced and structure becomes complex

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the auto focusing mechanism and handshake correction mechanism into a single integrated lens moving unit. The bobbin structure serves dual purposes: moving lenses for auto focusing and providing a mounting base for the magnet system that enables handshake correction. This merging eliminates the need for separate mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining miniaturization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bobbin is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as the auto focusing actuator mount, the handshake correction magnet holder, and the optical element support structure. This universal design allows a single component to perform multiple functions, thereby reducing the number of parts and simplifying the overall structure while achieving both auto focusing and shake correction capabilities.

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

2Reliability

If handshake shake correction means is added to miniaturized camera module, then image stability is improved, but structure becomes more complex and miniaturization is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handshake correction mechanism is merged with the existing auto focusing structure by utilizing the bobbin as the mounting platform for the magnet system. The magnet is positioned within the bobbin structure, and the coil is wound around the bobbin, creating an integrated assembly where shake correction functionality is embedded within the auto focusing mechanism rather than being added as a separate external system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements shake correction by enabling movement in directions perpendicular to the optical axis (x and y directions), while the auto focusing operates along the optical axis (z direction). This dimensional separation allows the two functions to operate independently in different spatial dimensions, simplifying the control mechanism and reducing structural complexity while achieving effective shake correction.

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

3Reliability

If optical system is moved and adjusted within the plane perpendicular to the optical axis for image correction, then handshake correction is achieved, but assembly process becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandshake correction capabilityVSAvoidassembly process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the lens moving unit into distinct functional modules: the bobbin sub-assembly containing the lens and magnet, the coil sub-assembly for electromagnetic actuation, and the support structure sub-assembly for mechanical stability. This segmentation allows each module to be manufactured and tested independently before final assembly, significantly simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining the complexity of the shake correction function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 miniaturization of camera modules with improved operational reliability, simplified assembly, and effective handshake correction, reducing vibrations and enhancing image stability during use.

Implementation Method 1

a bobbin mounted at an inner side with at least one lens and formed at a periphery with a first coil, and a housing configured to support a magnet arranged at a surrounding of the bobbin to move the bobbin and the first coil to a first direction parallel with an optical axis in response to interaction between the magnet and the first coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interaction: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

a second coil arranged opposite to the magnet of the first lens moving unit, and a circuit board including a detection sensor configured to detect positions of the second and third directions of the second lens moving unit relative to a second coil and the base opposite to the magnet of the first lens moving unit to thereby move an entire first lens moving unit including the bobbin to the mutually different second and third directions which is perpendicular to the optical axis in response to the interaction between the magnet and the second coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interaction: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP3926379A1Lens moving unit and camera module having the same
Publication Date: 2021.12.22 LG INNOTEK CO LTD
  • EP3926379A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3926379A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3926379A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A lens moving unit is disclosed, the unit including a first lens moving unit including a bobbin mounted at an inner side with at least one lens and formed at a periphery with a first coil, and a housing configured to support a magnet 5 arranged at a surrounding of the bobbin to move the bobbin and the first coil to a first direction parallel with an optical axis in response to interaction between the magnet and the first coil, and a second lens moving unit including a base spaced apart at a predetermined distance from the bobbin and the first lens moving unit, a support member configured to movably support the first lens 10 moving unit to second and third directions relative to the base and to supply an electric power to the first coil, and a circuit board including a detection sensor configured to detect positions of the second and third directions of the second lens moving unit relative to a second coil and the base opposite to the magnet of the first lens moving unit to thereby move an entire first lens moving unit 15 including the bobbin to the mutually different second and third directions which is perpendicular to the optical axis in response to the interaction between the magnet and the second coil.