Magnetic Aperture Blade Assembly for Compact Camera Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of electronic devices, such as cameras and smartphones, complicates mechanical design and leads to low reliability and driving force for lens adjustment, making it challenging to effectively control the aperture for optimal image capturing.
Innovation Solution
An aperture unit with a guiding element and driving assembly that includes a magnetic element and sliding elements, allowing for precise movement of blades along the optical axis, enabling continuous control of the aperture size without additional driving elements, thus addressing the mechanical design challenges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If several coils and magnets are used for adjusting the focus of a lens, then the focus function is improved, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical focus adjustment system (coils and magnets) with a photoelastic element that uses optical stress-induced birefringence to control light polarization. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical moving parts while achieving focus adjustment through optical property changes, thereby improving reliability while maintaining automation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter used for focus adjustment from mechanical position (via coils and magnets) to optical stress state (via photoelastic element). By applying mechanical stress to the photoelastic element, the refractive index and polarization properties change, enabling focus control through parameter transformation rather than complex mechanical actuation
2Volume of moving object
If miniaturization is implemented in electronic devices, then device size is reduced, but mechanical design difficulty increases and driving force for lens movement decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for traditional mechanical lens driving systems by using a liquid crystal element that controls light transmission through electrical field manipulation rather than mechanical movement. This allows miniaturization while avoiding the complexity of miniaturized mechanical actuators, as the optical control system requires no moving parts
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs thin-film liquid crystal layers and flexible electrode structures that enable the optical control system to be integrated into compact device form factors. The thin-film nature of the liquid crystal element allows for minimal thickness while maintaining optical control functionality, facilitating device miniaturization without mechanical complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If aperture control is implemented in miniaturized devices, then image capturing capability is improved, but mechanical design reliability and driving force are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical aperture blade systems with a liquid crystal-based optical shutter that controls light transmission through electrical field-induced phase changes. This eliminates mechanical moving parts in the aperture control mechanism, improving reliability while maintaining adaptability for different aperture settings through electronic control of the liquid crystal state
Solution Approach 2:
The invention controls aperture transmission by changing the optical parameters of the liquid crystal element (refractive index, phase delay) in response to applied voltage, rather than mechanically moving aperture blades. This parameter-based control achieves aperture adaptability without the reliability issues of mechanical systems, especially in miniaturized devices where mechanical driving force is limited
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
This solution enhances the focus function, reduces the risk of damage during movement, and allows for adaptable aperture sizes to meet different image capturing requirements, improving image quality and reducing noise in varying light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a driving assembly (10-600) used for driving the guiding element (10-500) to move for moving the first blade (10-410), wherein the driving assembly (10-600) includes a magnetic element (10-610)
Data Source
AI summary
An aperture unit having an optical axis is provided, which includes a fixed portion having a positioning recess, a guiding element movably connected to the fixed portion and accommodated in the first accommodating space, a first blade movably connected to the guiding element and the fixed portion, and a driving assembly used for driving the guiding element to move for moving the first blade. The positioning recess corresponds to the guiding element and is used for limiting a movable range of the guiding element.