MEMS Actuator for Miniature Optical Image Stabilization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical image stabilization (OIS) actuators in miniature cameras, such as those in mobile devices, face challenges due to size constraints, power consumption, and lack of precision, as voice coil motors (VCMs) require significant space and excessive electrical power, leading to reduced battery life and image quality.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) actuator that provides three degrees of freedom for optical image stabilization within a miniature form factor, without increasing device dimensions, and includes features for shock correction and heat dissipation, using a MEMS actuator integrated into the image sensor package with a circuit board and back plate configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If VCM actuators are used for OIS, then optical image stabilization is achieved, but device size increases and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical image stabilizationVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional VCM (voice coil motor) mechanical actuation system with a MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) actuator. This substitution enables OIS functionality in a miniaturized form factor, as MEMS actuators can achieve the required precision movements with significantly reduced size compared to VCM systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the actuation mechanism from macro-scale VCM to micro-scale MEMS, fundamentally altering the size parameter while maintaining OIS capability. The MEMS actuator provides the necessary mechanical displacement for image stabilization but occupies minimal space within the camera module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If VCM actuators are used for OIS, then optical image stabilization is achieved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical image stabilizationVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The replacement of VCM with MEMS actuator also addresses power consumption issues. MEMS actuators consume significantly less electrical power to achieve the same OIS effect, as they operate at micro-scale with lower current requirements compared to the electromagnetic coil-based VCM system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If multiple actuators are used to move the image sensor package, then OIS is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical image stabilizationVSAvoidactuator configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The MEMS actuator is designed to provide multiple degrees of freedom (typically three: pitch, roll, and focus) within a single integrated device. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for multiple separate actuators, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive OIS capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Volume of moving object

If VCM actuators are miniaturized, then device size is reduced, but precision is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidOIS precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The MEMS actuator inherently provides the required precision at micro-scale through its design, eliminating the trade-off between size and precision. The micro-electromechanical structure enables fine-grained control of the image sensor position with sub-micron accuracy, achieving both miniaturization and high precision simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enables high-quality OIS in miniature devices with reduced power consumption and no increase in size, providing effective optical image stabilization, shock correction, and improved heat dissipation, thus enhancing image quality and battery life.

Implementation Method 1

The MEMS actuator is a known entity in the art and, therefore, its internal construction need not be described in detail herein. However, one example of a suitable MEMS actuator is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/975,617 by Roman Gutierrez, entitled Multiple Degree of Freedom Actuator, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromechanical actuation: Electromechanical Film

Implementation Method 2

The back plate and cap are configured to attach onto the circuit board and encapsulate the MEMS actuator and the image sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS9578217B2Moving image sensor package

Publication Date: 2017.02.21 MEMS DRIVE (NANJING) CO LTD

AI summary

A moving image sensor package is provided that may be used to provide optical image stabilization (OIS) in the same form factor as non-OIS enabled image sensors utilized in portable/mobile devices. The moving image sensor package includes an image sensor attached to a MEMS actuator mounted within a cutout in a circuit board, wherein the MEMS actuator has substantially the same thickness as the circuit board.