Magnetic Levitation Image Sensor for Six-Degree-of-Freedom Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging apparatuses face limitations due to sliding resistance when the image sensor is driven, restricting its degree of freedom in movement, which hinders effective image shake correction and photographic flexibility.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with a movable member supported by a thrust generator that allows for six degrees of freedom (6 DoF) movement by generating thrust forces in different directions, enabling the image sensor to translate, rotate, and tilt without sliding resistance, using a combination of drive coils and permanent magnets for levitation and precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the image sensor is driven using contact-based support (coil springs, planar coils with permanent magnets), then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but sliding resistance occurs which limits the degree of freedom in movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the contact-based mechanical support system (coil springs, planar coils with permanent magnets) with a magnetic field-based support system using drive coils and permanent magnets. This substitution eliminates physical contact and sliding resistance, enabling the image sensor to move freely in six degrees of freedom (three translational directions and three rotational directions) without the friction constraints of traditional mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameter from contact-based mechanical force transmission to non-contact magnetic field interaction. By using drive coils that generate magnetic fields to interact with permanent magnets attached to the image sensor, the system transitions from a friction-limited mechanical system to a field-based system where movement is controlled by electromagnetic forces, thereby achieving unlimited degrees of freedom in movement.
2Reliability
If the movable member is supported by contact-based mechanisms, then the structure is stable and reliable, but sliding resistance occurs which restricts movement freedom
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the contact-based mechanical support system with a magnetic field-based support system. The drive coils generate magnetic fields that interact with permanent magnets on the image sensor, providing stable support without physical contact. This eliminates sliding resistance while maintaining reliability through precise electromagnetic control, enabling six degrees of freedom movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the support structure and the image sensor. Instead of direct mechanical contact, the magnetic field acts as a mediator that transmits force and control while allowing free movement. This intermediary approach maintains system reliability through controlled magnetic interaction while eliminating the friction constraints of direct mechanical contact.
3Device complexity
If contact-based support is used for the image sensor, then the structure is compact and simple, but sliding resistance limits the range and precision of movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based mechanical support with magnetic field-based support using drive coils and permanent magnets. This substitution eliminates sliding resistance, enabling precise movement control in six degrees of freedom. The magnetic field interaction allows for finer control and higher precision without the friction and wear limitations of mechanical contact systems.
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 enables the image sensor to perform image shake correction and achieve special photographic effects by allowing full-range movement in six directions, enhancing the flexibility and effectiveness of image stabilization and adjustment processes.
Implementation Method 1
a thrust generator which generates thrust forces in different directions against the movable member... using a combination of drive coils and permanent magnets for levitation and precise control
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes a photographing optical system, an image sensor onto which an object image is projected through the photographing optical system, a movable member to which the image sensor is fixed, a base member which holds the movable member in a manner to allow the movable member to move relative to the base member, and a thrust generator which generates thrust forces in different directions, including first through third directions, the first direction being parallel with the optical axis direction of the photographing optical system. An interaction of the thrust forces against the movable member in at least one of the different directions causes the movable member to at least one of translate relative to the base member in the first through third directions, and/or rotate relative to the base member about the first through third directions.