Liquid Lens Electrode and Heater Layout for Compact Camera Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera modules face challenges in achieving a compact size while providing high-resolution images with various photographing functions, such as optical zoom, auto-focusing, and optical image stabilizer, due to the need for multiple lenses and power-consuming lens driving devices.
Innovation Solution
A liquid lens system is developed, comprising a first plate with a cavity for two liquids, individual electrodes arranged circumferentially, and a temperature device including a temperature sensor and heater. This system allows for electrically controlled curvature and inclination of the liquid interface, enabling adjustable focal length and implementation of OIS functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lenses and lens driving devices are combined to achieve various photographing functions, then the photographing functions (optical zoom, auto-focusing, OIS) are improved, but the size of the optical device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple photographing functions (optical zoom, auto-focusing, and optical image stabilizer functions) into a single liquid lens by controlling the curvature and inclination of the liquid-liquid interface. This eliminates the need for multiple separate lenses and their driving devices, thereby reducing the overall size of the optical device while maintaining all required photographing functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid lens is designed to perform multiple functions universally through electrical control of the liquid interface. By applying different voltages to the electrode patterns, the same liquid lens structure can achieve zooming, focusing, and image stabilization, making a single component replace multiple specialized components.
2Reliability
If a lens driving device is added to protect the high power consumption component, then the reliability is improved, but the overall size of the camera module increases due to additional cover glass
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the separate lens driving device by integrating its functions directly into the liquid lens structure. The liquid lens inherently responds to electrical signals without requiring mechanical driving mechanisms, thus removing the need for protective cover glass and reducing the overall camera module size.
3Use of energy by moving object
If temperature device is disposed close to electrodes for efficient heating, then the heating efficiency is improved, but the risk of electrode deformation due to heat increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an insulating layer as an intermediary between the temperature device (heater) and the electrodes. This insulating layer allows thermal energy to be efficiently transferred to the liquid lens for temperature control while simultaneously preventing direct thermal contact that would cause electrode deformation, thus resolving the contradiction between heating efficiency and electrode protection.
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 system allows for compact camera module design, simplified manufacturing, and improved operational stability by eliminating the need for complex lens arrangements and reducing the risk of electrode deformation due to heat.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrode disposed on a first surface of the first plate; a second electrode disposed on a second surface of the first plate facing the first surface... the first electrode includes first to eighth individual electrodes sequentially arranged along a circumferential direction about an optical axis
Implementation Method 2
the temperature device includes at least one of a temperature sensor and a heater disposed between at least two individual electrodes of the first to eighth individual electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid lens includes a first plate having a cavity for receiving a first liquid and a second liquid; a first electrode disposed on a first surface of the first plate; a second electrode disposed on a second surface of the first plate facing the first surface; and a temperature device disposed on the first surface of the first plate to be spaced apart from the individual electrode; wherein the first electrode includes first to eighth individual electrodes sequentially arranged along a circumferential direction about an optical axis, and wherein the temperature device includes at least one of a temperature sensor and a heater disposed between at least two individual electrodes of the first to eighth individual electrodes.