Magnetic Spring Shake Correction Mechanism for Optical Modules

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shake correction mechanisms in optical units, such as those in camera-equipped mobile terminals, face challenges in accurately returning the optical module to its reference posture without using plate springs, which are prone to plastic deformation and handling difficulties, and may fail to maintain positioning due to external impacts.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic spring mechanism is employed, utilizing a magnet and a magnetic member with a convex surface and a concave surface for precise positioning, along with an axial positioning unit and an adhesive reservoir for secure attachment, to accurately return the optical module to its reference posture without the need for plate springs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a plate spring is used as urging means to return the optical module to reference posture, then the optical module can be returned to reference posture, but the plate spring is susceptible to plastic deformation and handling is difficult during manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to return optical module to reference postureVSAvoidhandling ease during assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical plate spring system with a magnetic field-based urging means. Magnets are embedded in the housing, and magnetic members attached to the optical module interact with these magnets to provide the urging force needed to return the module to reference posture. This substitution eliminates the handling difficulties and plastic deformation issues associated with plate springs while maintaining the reliability of posture correction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the meandering unit of the plate spring is formed thin to allow swinging, then swinging is enabled, but the meandering unit is susceptible to plastic deformation from external impacts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswinging capabilityVSAvoidresistance to plastic deformation from impact

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the thin meandering unit of the plate spring with a magnetic field-based urging mechanism. The magnets in the housing and magnetic members on the optical module create an elastic-like restoring force without requiring thin mechanical structures. This eliminates the vulnerability to plastic deformation from external impacts while preserving the swinging capability necessary for shake correction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If a magnetic spring mechanism is used to return the movable body to reference posture, then plate springs are eliminated, but positional accuracy between the shake correction drive mechanism and magnet needs improvement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelimination of plate spring handlingVSAvoidpositional accuracy of magnet

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces magnetic members as intermediaries between the magnets in the housing and the optical module. These magnetic members serve as positioning references that interact with the magnets to provide both urging force and positional guidance. This intermediary mechanism helps achieve accurate positioning without requiring extremely tight tolerances on magnet placement, thereby improving manufacturing precision while maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 positional accuracy and assembly workability by using magnetic forces for posture correction, ensuring reliable return to the reference posture even under slight variations and external influences, while reducing power consumption and improving manufacturing ease.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic spring mechanism configured to generate an urging force by magnetism with a magnet of a shake correction drive mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

a coil arranged in the other body of the movable body or the fixed body, the coil being configured to apply an electromagnetic force to the movable body within a magnetic field of the magnet to drive the movable body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS11215900B2Shake correction device, optical unit with shake correction function, and method of manufacturing same

Publication Date: 2022.01.04 SANKYO SEIKI MFG CO LTD

AI summary

A shake correction device may include a housing unit; a movable body; a fixed body; a swing support mechanism; a shake correction drive mechanism; and a posture return mechanism. The shake correction drive mechanism may include a magnet and a coil, the coil being configured to apply an electromagnetic force to the movable body. The posture return mechanism may include the magnet and a magnetic member, the magnetic member configured to urge the movable body toward the reference posture. The magnetic member may include a convex surface protruding, and the other body may include a radial positioning unit to press the convex surface of the magnetic member against the radial positioning unit by the attraction force to position the magnetic member in a direction orthogonal to the axial line. The radial positioning unit may include a concave surface with which the convex surface is contacted.