Liquid Lens Assembly with Elastic Member for Compact Camera Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera modules with multiple lenses face challenges in size and power consumption due to the need for separate lens-moving apparatuses for auto-focusing and hand-tremor compensation, leading to increased size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A liquid lens unit with a conductive and non-conductive liquid pair, electrodes, and an elastic member that adjusts curvature in response to temperature changes, reducing deformation and enabling compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a plurality of lenses and a lens-moving apparatus are combined to achieve auto-focusing and hand-tremor compensation functions, then the photographing functions are improved, but the overall size and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lens functions (auto-focusing and hand-tremor compensation) into a single integrated lens assembly that moves collectively along the optical axis, eliminating the need for separate lens-moving apparatuses and reducing overall device size while maintaining versatile photographing capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The lens assembly is designed to perform multiple functions (auto-focusing and hand-tremor compensation) simultaneously through a single movable unit, allowing one component to serve multiple purposes and reduce the number of separate mechanisms required
2Adaptability or versatility
If a lens-moving apparatus is provided to move the lens assembly for auto-focusing and hand-tremor compensation, then the photographing functions are improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging auto-focusing and hand-tremor compensation into a single lens movement mechanism, the patent reduces the total power consumption compared to operating separate lens-moving apparatuses for each function
3Reliability
If a cover glass is provided separately to protect the lens-moving apparatus, then the lens assembly is protected, but the overall size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the protective cover glass directly into the lens assembly structure, combining the protection function with the existing components rather than adding a separate protective layer, thereby maintaining protection while minimizing size increase
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 liquid lens unit minimizes deformation and power consumption, allowing for compact camera modules with improved auto-focusing and hand-tremor compensation capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member disposed between the first plate and the third plate, the elastic member being configured to be deformed such that a volume of the elastic member is reduced when a volume of at least one among the first liquid and the second liquid increases
Implementation Method 2
research has been conducted on a liquid lens configured to electrically adjust the curvature of an interface between two types of liquids
Data Source
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AI summary
A liquid lens unit according to one embodiment comprises: a first plate including a cavity for accommodating a conductive first liquid and a nonconductive second liquid; a first electrode arranged on the first plate; a second electrode arranged under the first plate; a second plate arranged on the first electrode; a third plate arranged under the second electrode; and an elastic member arranged between the first plate and the third plate.