Compact Mechanical Iris Assembly for Camera Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumer electronics devices such as smartphones and tablets often lack adjustable apertures due to space constraints, limiting the functionality of their camera modules.
Innovation Solution
The development of a compact mechanical iris assembly for camera modules, which includes a housing, blade elements, a rotor plate, and an actuator assembly with a magnet and voice coil actuators, allowing for adjustable aperture control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical iris assembly is incorporated into a camera module, then aperture adjustability is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blade elements are nested within the housing, with each blade positioned concentrically around the optical axis. The rotor plate rotates within the housing, carrying the blades in a compact circular arrangement. This nesting allows the mechanical iris assembly to achieve aperture adjustability while maintaining a small overall volume suitable for consumer electronics devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional linear actuation mechanisms to a rotational dimension for aperture control. The rotor plate rotates about the optical axis to adjust the aperture, utilizing angular movement rather than linear displacement. This dimensional change enables more compact packaging of the mechanical iris assembly within the camera module.
2Measurement precision
If voice coil actuators are used for precise rotor plate rotation, then aperture control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuators (such as motors or linkages) with voice coil actuators that utilize electromagnetic fields for rotation control. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical transmission components while achieving precise rotor plate rotation through direct electromagnetic actuation, thereby improving aperture control precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The voice coil actuators enable precise control by changing electrical parameters (current magnitude and direction) to achieve the desired rotor plate rotation. By controlling the electrical current through the voice coil, the system can precisely adjust the aperture position without complex mechanical feedback mechanisms, maintaining simplicity while achieving high precision.
3Ease of operation
If multiple coils are positioned in a magnetic field for rotor actuation, then rotational control is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric arrangement of multiple coils around the rotor plate, with each coil positioned at a specific angular location. This asymmetric configuration optimizes the magnetic field distribution for rotational actuation while allowing for modular manufacturing. Each coil can be independently manufactured and then assembled in the specified asymmetric pattern, balancing manufacturing ease with operational performance.
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 over the aperture size and shape, enhancing the camera's ability to adjust to varying lighting conditions while maintaining a compact form factor.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator assembly includes a magnet that is fixed relative to the rotor plate, a first coil, and a second coil, such that the first coil and the second coil are positioned in a magnetic field of the magnet. The controller is configured to concurrently drive current through the first coil and the second coil in opposite directions to rotate the rotor plate relative to the housing.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments disclosed herein include mechanical iris assemblies, as well as camera modules and devices that incorporate these mechanical iris assemblies. The mechanical iris assemblies described herein include a housing, a rotor plate, a set of blade elements, and an actuator arrangement. The actuator assembly may include a voice coil actuator. In some variations, a voice coil actuator includes a magnet, a first coil, and a second coil, and a controller is configured to concurrently drive current through the first coil and the second coil in opposite directions. In other variations, a voice coil actuator includes at least one magnet and a set of arcuate-shaped coils. In still other variations, a voice coil actuator includes at least one magnet and a printed circuit that defines a coil that includes an inner trace, an outer trace, and a set of connecting traces that connect the inner trace to the outer trace.