Movable Lens Assembly with Magnetic Attachment for Compact Camera Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for camera modules in electronic devices to reduce external impact influences and miniaturize their size while maintaining image quality.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design featuring a housing with a movable first lens assembly that can retract into the housing or protrude externally, utilizing magnetic forces for attachment and an elastic body for support, allowing for compact size and improved image stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the lens assembly is made movable to protrude from the housing, then the camera module can achieve better image quality through focus adjustment, but the device size increases and structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidcamera module size

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The first lens assembly is nested within the housing when not in use, and protrudes only when needed for focusing. The lens assembly can be completely contained within the housing volume, allowing the camera module to maintain a compact form factor while still enabling focus adjustment by extending the lens assembly through the opening in the housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The first lens assembly is designed to be movable between a retracted position (inside the housing) and an extended position (protruding from the housing). This dynamic configuration allows the lens assembly to adjust its position for focus control while maintaining a compact overall size when retracted, resolving the contradiction between image quality and device size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If the lens assembly is made movable for focus adjustment, then image quality improves, but the reliability under external impact decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidstability under external impact

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An elastic body is provided to support the first lens assembly, providing cushioning and shock absorption before external impact occurs. The elastic body allows the lens assembly to move smoothly while protecting it from sudden impacts, maintaining both focus adjustment capability and reliability under external conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

A magnetic force is applied between the first magnet (attached to the housing) and the second magnet (attached to the first lens assembly) to replace traditional mechanical fastening mechanisms. This magnetic attachment system provides reliable positioning and securing of the movable lens assembly, improving reliability while maintaining the ability to adjust focus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a movable lens assembly is implemented, then focus control capability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocus control capabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Traditional mechanical fastening mechanisms are replaced with a magnetic force system. The first magnet attached to the housing and the second magnet attached to the first lens assembly create a simple yet effective magnetic attachment system that enables focus control without complex mechanical structures, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic force system serves multiple functions: it enables the lens assembly to move for focus control, provides cushioning through the elastic body, and secures the lens assembly in position. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate mechanisms, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining focus control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enhances image quality by stabilizing the lens assembly and reduces the camera module's size, accommodating the miniaturization demands of electronic devices.

Implementation Method 1

a first magnet, a first lens assembly provided in the housing and including a second magnet configured to attach to the first magnet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

an elastic body configured to elastically support the first lens assembly in a direction from the first position to the second position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic support: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12287530B2Camera module and electronic device including the same

Publication Date: 2025.04.29 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

Provided is a camera module including a housing having an opening, and a first lens assembly configured to move in the housing between a first position in which the first lens assembly is entirely provided in the housing, and a second position in which a portion of the first lens assembly protrudes external to the housing through the opening of the housing, a portion of the first lens assembly being attached to the housing by a magnetic force at the second position.