Movable Lens Module Stopper Design for Compact Zoom Cameras
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Solution Overview
Problem
Camera modules in portable electronic devices face challenges with increased complexity and size due to the addition of autofocusing, optical image stabilization, and zoom functions, which require complex structures and increased power consumption, and are difficult to implement in thin form factors.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design featuring movable lens modules with stoppers and damping members to prevent contact between lens modules, along with ball bearings and guide grooves to constrain lens positions, allowing for compact size and efficient movement without increasing device thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If lens modules are made movable to implement AF and zoom functions, then functional versatility is improved, but device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the movement direction of lens modules from the optical axis direction to a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis. This dimensional change allows the lens modules to achieve focusing and zooming capabilities without increasing the thickness of the camera module in the optical axis direction, thereby resolving the contradiction between functional versatility and device thickness.
2Ease of operation
If lens modules are moved in the optical axis direction, then focusing function is achieved, but the required space increases module thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements focusing by moving lens modules in a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis rather than along the optical axis. This allows the lens modules to achieve different focal positions without requiring additional space in the optical axis direction, thereby enabling focusing capability while maintaining compact module thickness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lens modules are disposed adjacently to achieve zoom function, then optical performance is improved, but contact between modules causes operational interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces stoppers as intermediary components disposed between adjacent lens modules. These stoppers prevent direct contact between the lens modules during their perpendicular movement, thereby eliminating operational interference and ensuring reliable independent movement of each lens module while maintaining the compact adjacent arrangement necessary for zoom functionality.
4Ease of operation
If lens modules move without constraint, then movement flexibility is improved, but positional precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies guide grooves with specific cross-sectional shapes (such as V-shape, U-shape, or rectangular shapes) to constrain lens modules in localized areas. These guide grooves provide precise positional guidance in the movement direction while allowing freedom in other directions, thereby achieving both movement flexibility and positional precision through localized structural 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
Enables the implementation of AF, zoom, and OIS functions in a compact form factor, reducing power consumption and maintaining device thickness by optimizing lens module movement and stabilization.
Implementation Method 1
a damping member disposed on the extension portion to face the side of the one movable lens module in the optical axis direction
Implementation Method 2
ball bearings and guide grooves to constrain lens positions
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module includes a housing; a plurality of movable lens modules disposed in an internal space of the housing and configured to be movable in an optical axis direction, each of the plurality of movable lens modules comprising at least one lens; and a stopper configured to prevent contact between at least two of the plurality of movable lens modules, wherein the stopper includes a frame mounted on the housing; an extension portion extending from the frame into the internal space of the housing to face a side of one movable lens module of the plurality of movable lens modules in the optical axis direction; and a damping member disposed on the extension portion to face the side of the one movable lens module in the optical axis direction.