Lens Unit With Non-Overlapping Driving Assemblies

Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of long focal length lenses in portable electronic devices hinders miniaturization due to increased thickness, necessitating a compact and efficient lens system that allows for auto focusing and optical image stabilization.

Innovation Solution

A lens unit with a casing, carrier, and dual driving assemblies using magnetic elements and coils to move the optical lens along multiple axes, combined with a reflecting unit and image sensor, enabling efficient space utilization and miniaturization while maintaining auto focusing and optical image stabilization capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a long focal length lens is applied in an electronic device, then the optical performance is improved, but the thickness of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical performanceVSAvoidthickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements nesting by placing the reflecting unit inside the lens housing, and positioning the image sensor within the reflecting unit's optical path. This nested arrangement allows the optical components to be stacked vertically rather than arranged horizontally, reducing the overall thickness while maintaining the long focal length optical performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a horizontal arrangement of optical components to a vertical stacking arrangement. The optical axis is oriented vertically, with the reflecting unit and image sensor positioned along the vertical dimension, allowing the device to achieve long focal length performance in a compact thickness profile

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If a long focal length lens is applied in an electronic device, then the optical performance is improved, but the device size for miniaturization is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical performanceVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements nesting by placing the reflecting unit inside the lens housing, and positioning the image sensor within the reflecting unit's optical path. This nested arrangement allows the optical components to be stacked vertically rather than arranged horizontally, reducing the overall thickness while maintaining the long focal length optical performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a horizontal arrangement of optical components to a vertical stacking arrangement. The optical axis is oriented vertically, with the reflecting unit and image sensor positioned along the vertical dimension, allowing the device to achieve long focal length performance in a compact thickness profile

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If dual driving assemblies are used to enable auto focusing and optical image stabilization, then the functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the first and second driving assemblies by positioning them adjacent to each other within the lens housing. The first driving assembly for auto focusing and the second driving assembly for optical image stabilization are integrated into a unified structural arrangement, reducing the overall complexity compared to separate independent assemblies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic elements and coils in the driving assemblies serve multiple functions: the first driving assembly moves the lens along the optical axis for auto focusing, while the second driving assembly moves the lens perpendicular to the optical axis for optical image stabilization. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate dedicated mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-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 allows for a compact camera system that supports auto focusing and optical image stabilization, reducing the device's thickness and enhancing miniaturization prospects by optimizing the placement and overlap of magnetic elements and coils within the lens unit.

Implementation Method 1

the first driving assembly includes a first magnetic element and a first axial coil adjacent to the first magnetic element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field interaction: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

the second driving assembly includes a second magnetic element and a second axial coil adjacent to the second magnetic element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field interaction: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS11630319B2Camera system and lens unit thereof

Publication Date: 2023.04.18 ACTUTEK CORP

AI summary

A lens unit is provided, including a casing, a carrier, an optical lens, a first driving assembly, and a second driving assembly. The carrier is movably disposed in the casing, and the optical lens is disposed on the carrier. The first and second driving assemblies are provided to drive the carrier and the optical lens respectively to move along a first axis and a second axis relative to the casing. Specifically, when viewed along a direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the lens unit, the first and second driving assemblies do not overlap.