MEMS Optical Image Stabilizer with Curved Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical image stabilizers for mobile communication terminals face challenges in compact design and effective displacement of image sensors due to spatial limitations, making it difficult to compensate for hand shaking and achieve high-quality images in low-light conditions.
Innovation Solution
A miniaturized optical image stabilizer using a MEMS structure with a levitating table and cantilever arms driven by electrodes, where the cantilever arms are formed from silicon and connected to anchors on a substrate, allowing for controlled movement of the image sensor, and the electrodes have a curved surface to increase displacement range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an optical image stabilizer moves the optical lens to compensate for hand shaking, then image quality is improved, but the installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the optical lens to achieve image stabilization, this patent inverts the approach by moving the image sensor in the opposite direction to compensate for hand shaking. This inversion allows the use of a smaller, lighter image sensor assembly that can be actuated more efficiently, thereby reducing the overall installation space while maintaining image stabilization performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical lens driving systems with a MEMS-based electrostatic actuation system. The MEMS image sensor assembly uses electrostatic forces between electrodes and proof masses to achieve precise, rapid positioning with minimal mechanical components, significantly reducing the space required for the stabilizer mechanism
2Area of stationary object
If the image sensor is moved to compensate for hand shaking, then installation space is reduced, but the driving displacement limitation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved electrode surfaces and arched proof mass structures to increase the effective displacement range. The curved geometry allows for larger travel distances within a compact footprint by utilizing radial motion paths, enabling the image sensor to achieve the necessary displacement amplitude for effective hand shaking compensation without increasing the overall device size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional electrostatic field distribution and multi-axis actuation to achieve complex motion trajectories. By controlling electrostatic forces in multiple dimensions simultaneously, the system can achieve larger effective displacement ranges through coordinated motion in X, Y, and potentially Z directions, overcoming the limitations of simple linear actuation
3Manufacturing precision
If a MEMS structure with levitating table is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated MEMS structure: the table serves as both the support platform and the movable carrier for the image sensor, while the proof masses are integrated directly onto the table structure. The electrodes are formed as part of the substrate architecture rather than separate components. This merging reduces the number of discrete parts and assembly steps, lowering overall device complexity despite the high precision requirements
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 configuration enables efficient compensation for hand shaking, reduces the spatial requirements, and allows for mass production, lowering the cost and size of the image stabilizer module, thus improving image quality in mobile devices.
Implementation Method 1
electrodes applying voltage for moving the cantilever arms
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an optical image stabilizer, including: a substrate; a table disposed over the substrate, while levitating, to be movable on the substrate and having an image sensor mounted on the upper end of the substrate; cantilever arms disposed over the substrate, while levitating, and connected to the table to move the table; anchors fixing one ends of the cantilever arms onto the substrate; and electrodes applying voltage for moving the cantilever arm.