MEMS Actuator Alignment via Radial Tabs and Complementary Slots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Miniature cameras face challenges in reducing size while maintaining shock resistance and effectively aligning optical elements for focusing, zooming, and image stabilization, as smaller components are more delicate and prone to damage from rough handling.
Innovation Solution
The use of concentrically aligned linear actuator devices with radially extending tabs and complementary mounting features in lens barrels allows for precise alignment and shock resistance, enabling efficient movement of optical elements within miniature cameras.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the size of miniature cameras is reduced, then the size of the camera is decreased, but the shock resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing a compliant mounting structure with flexures that can deflect and absorb shock forces before they reach the optical elements. The flexures are designed to yield under shock loads, protecting the delicate optical components from damage while maintaining precise alignment during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible shells and thin films through the use of flexure-based mounting structures. These flexures are engineered with specific geometric features that provide compliance in shock directions while maintaining rigidity in alignment directions, enabling the compact camera to withstand shocks without compromising optical element protection.
2Volume of moving object
If the size of miniature cameras is reduced, then the size of the camera is decreased, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the mounting structure into discrete modular components with standardized alignment features. Each optical element is mounted on its own compliant platform with independent alignment mechanisms, allowing precise positioning to be achieved and maintained even in the compact camera design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by designing flexures with specific geometric parameters that optimize the balance between compliance and alignment precision. The flexure dimensions, material properties, and mounting feature geometries are carefully selected to provide the necessary alignment accuracy while accommodating the reduced camera size.
3Volume of moving object
If smaller components are used to reduce camera size, then the camera size is decreased, but the reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating shock-absorbing flexures that protect smaller, more delicate components from shock damage. The compliant mounting structure yields under shock loads, preventing force transmission to the fragile optical elements and maintaining component durability despite their reduced size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible shells and thin films through the flexure-based mounting system that provides mechanical protection for smaller components. The flexures are designed to be more durable than rigid alternatives in compact configurations, offering both protection and compliance.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for aligning an actuator device relative to an adjacent component, such as a rear cover of an actuator module or a stationary lens, includes disposing a plurality of radially extending tabs around an outer periphery of the actuator device, disposing a corresponding plurality of pairs of raised mounting features on a front surface of the adjacent component, each pair defining a slot having sidewalls that are complementary in configuration to respective sidewalls of corresponding ones of the tabs, and inserting respective ones of the tabs into corresponding ones of the slots.