Magnetic Aperture Module for Camera Modules
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Camera modules in portable electronic devices face challenges in providing a mechanical aperture due to structural limitations, which can degrade autofocusing and optical image stabilization functions and increase power consumption, while also affecting image quality.
Innovation Solution
An aperture module with blades forming a variable-sized polygonal incident hole, driven by a magnet and coil system, allows for precise adjustment of the aperture diameter and reduces light diffraction, incorporating a position sensor for closed-loop control to maintain image quality across varying illumination conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical aperture is provided in a camera module, then the amount of incident light can be adjusted according to surrounding environment, but the weight of the camera module increases and autofocusing and optical image stabilization functions deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical aperture system with a magnetic field-based system. A driving coil generates a magnetic field that acts on a magnet portion attached to the aperture stop, enabling aperture adjustment without heavy mechanical components. This substitution of mechanical actuation with electromagnetic actuation reduces the overall weight while maintaining the ability to adjust incident light.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the aperture control function from the main camera module structure by providing a separate, lightweight aperture module. This modular approach allows the aperture mechanism to be independent, reducing the weight burden on the main focusing and stabilization systems while still providing the necessary light adjustment capability.
2Ease of operation
If power connection parts such as coils are provided in the aperture, then the aperture can be driven, but these parts interfere with vertical movement of the lens during autofocusing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the driving coil in the horizontal direction (perpendicular to the optical axis) rather than in the vertical path of the lens. The magnetic field generated by the horizontally positioned coil acts on the aperture stop through magnetic flux that extends vertically, enabling aperture control without occupying the vertical space needed for lens movement during autofocusing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses magnetic field lines as an intermediary to transmit the driving force from the coil to the aperture stop. The magnetic field acts as a mediator that can exert force across space without requiring direct mechanical contact or placement of the coil in the lens movement path, thus avoiding interference with vertical lens movement.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If an aperture module is added to the camera module, then light diffraction can be controlled, but the amount of current used increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the magnetic circuit parameters including the arrangement and strength of magnets, the geometry of magnetic flux paths, and the coil winding configuration to maximize magnetic field efficiency. By carefully designing these parameters, the system achieves effective aperture control with minimal current consumption, reducing the energy burden while maintaining the ability to control light diffraction.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If blades are arranged to form a polygonal incident hole, then image quality can be improved by reducing light overlap, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric blade arrangement where blades have different lengths and are positioned at specific asymmetric angles to form a polygonal aperture shape. This asymmetric configuration prevents overlapping diffraction patterns from different blade edges, thereby improving image quality. The asymmetry is carefully designed to minimize light overlap while keeping the number of blades manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the aperture control function among multiple independent blades that can move relative to each other. Each blade is a separate component that can be individually actuated by the magnetic field, allowing flexible formation of various polygonal shapes. This segmentation enables complex aperture geometries to be achieved through simple, standardized blade components rather than a single complex structure.
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 effectively reduces power consumption, minimizes weight increase, and significantly improves image quality by preventing light overlap and degradation, while maintaining autofocus and optical image stabilization performance.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet portion including a driving magnet opposing a driving coil to be linearly reciprocatable
Implementation Method 2
a rotation plate linked to the magnetic portion and to the blades to convert linear motion of the magnet portion into rotational motion of the blades
Data Source
AI summary
An aperture module includes blades to form an incident hole having a variable size, a magnet portion including a driving magnet opposing a driving coil to allow the magnet portion to be linearly movable, and a rotation plate linked to the magnet portion and to the blades to convert linear motion of the magnet portion into rotational motion of the blades. The blades include a first blade having N sides (N being a positive integer) that form the incident hole, and a second blade having (N+1) sides that form the incident hole. The incident hole is in the form of a polygon having an odd number of sides.