Aperture Module with Magnetic Blade Control for Camera Weight Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Camera modules in portable electronic devices face challenges in providing a mechanical aperture due to structural and space limitations, leading to potential degradation of autofocusing and optical image stabilization, and the need for precise aperture control while minimizing power usage.

Innovation Solution

An aperture module with a rotary plate and four interlocked blades forming octagonal entrance holes, driven by a magnet and coil system, allowing for precise adjustment of light entry while reducing weight and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a mechanical aperture is provided in a camera module for portable electronic devices, then light control capability is improved, but device weight increases due to additional driving components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight control capabilityVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical aperture system with a magnetic field-based control system. A movable plate with variable aperture patterns is positioned using magnetic attraction between a magnet on the plate and a magnetic body in the housing, eliminating the need for mechanical drive mechanisms, gears, and motors that would increase weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The movable plate serves multiple functions: it acts as both the aperture control element and the magnetic coupling interface. The magnetic body in the housing serves dual purposes as both the magnetic attraction source and the counterweight for the autofocus lens assembly, reducing the need for separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a mechanical aperture with driving components is added to a camera module, then aperture control is enabled, but autofocusing performance deteriorates due to increased weight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaperture controlVSAvoidautofocusing performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the aperture control mechanism with the autofocus counterweight system. The magnetic body that provides counterweight for autofocus is integrated with the housing structure, and the same magnetic field is used to control the movable plate. This merging eliminates additional driving components that would interfere with autofocus performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If a coil for driving aperture is provided in the aperture itself, then aperture actuation is achieved, but the coil becomes locked due to vertical lens movement during autofocusing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaperture actuationVSAvoidcoil operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the coil from the movable aperture assembly and places it in the stationary housing. The magnetic body in the housing generates the magnetic field to attract the magnet on the movable plate, separating the actuation mechanism from the moving parts. This extraction prevents the coil from being locked by vertical lens movement during autofocusing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional aperture mechanism is used, then light control is achieved, but power consumption increases due to continuous driving requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight controlVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic magnetic field application to control the movable plate. The aperture is adjusted only when needed (periodically) rather than requiring continuous driving force. The magnetic attraction holds the plate in position without continuous power input, and the plate can be repositioned by applying magnetic field only during aperture changes, significantly reducing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

Enables precise control of light entry with various aperture sizes, maintaining image quality under different illumination conditions without degrading autofocusing or increasing device weight, and reducing power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

an aperture driving unit driving rotation of the rotary plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field generation: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

The moving portion may include a driving magnet, the moving portion reciprocating linearly. The aperture driving unit may include an aperture driving coil facing a driving magnet disposed in a moving portion on the base driving the rotation of the rotary plate.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interaction: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS11156898B2Aperture module, camera module, and portable electronic device

Publication Date: 2021.10.26 SAMSUNG ELECTRO MECHANICS CO LTD

AI summary

An aperture module includes a rotary plate disposed on an upper portion of a base, an aperture driving unit rotating the rotary plate, and four blades interlocked with rotation of the rotary plate, and forming entrance holes having various sizes through combinations. The four blades are disposed on respective fixing shafts disposed on the base and rotated and driven around the respective fixing shafts, and the fixing shafts are interconnected to form a rectangle having a long side and a short side.