Movable Lens Camera Module with Magnetic Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera modules with movable lenses face challenges in miniaturization, limiting their implementation in small electronic devices due to large size and complexity, particularly in providing both autofocus and image stabilization functionalities.
Innovation Solution
A compact camera module design utilizing a set of magnet member pairs, including electromagnetic coils and magnets, allows for the movement of a single middle lens within the camera module, enabling both autofocus and image stabilization functions while maintaining a compact configuration, with the lens movable in X, Y, and Z directions through an electromagnetic actuation system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional VCM structure with multiple components is used for autofocus, then autofocus functionality is achieved, but the camera module size becomes large (about 9.5 mm×9.5 mm)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lens assembly into multiple movable lens units (first lens unit, second lens unit, third lens unit) that can be independently actuated. This segmentation allows different lens units to be controlled by separate magnet members, enabling compact arrangement of actuation mechanisms while achieving autofocus functionality through coordinated movement of segmented lens units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested configuration where magnet members are positioned within the lens barrel structure, and lens units are arranged in a telescopic manner. The first, second, and third lens units are positioned sequentially along the optical axis with overlapping support structures, allowing compact packaging of multiple moving components within a small footprint area.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional image stabilization configuration with electromagnetic actuators and guides is used, then image stabilization functionality is achieved, but the device size becomes large (about 20 mm×20 mm×9 mm)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the autofocus and image stabilization functions into a single integrated lens assembly. The same movable lens units that provide autofocus are also utilized for image stabilization by controlling their movement in different directions. The magnet members serve dual purposes: driving autofocus movement along the optical axis and enabling lateral movement for image stabilization, thereby combining multiple functions into a compact unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens holder structure is designed with universal functionality to support both autofocus and image stabilization operations. The same lens units and support structures are used for both functions, with magnet members capable of generating forces in multiple directions. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate actuation systems, significantly reducing the overall device footprint.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all lenses move during autofocus operations in conventional configuration, then autofocus is achieved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different movement characteristics to different lens units. The first lens unit is actuated for both autofocus and image stabilization, the second lens unit provides additional autofocus capability, and the third lens unit fine-tunes the focusing. Each lens unit has optimized optical properties and movement ranges suited to its specific function, reducing overall system complexity through specialized local design rather than uniform movement of all lenses.
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 design achieves a smaller camera module size, high resolution, good optics quality, and reflowability, enabling the integration of autofocus and optical image stabilization in small electronic devices without the need for large actuation systems, thus overcoming the limitations of conventional configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The second magnet member is configured to move in a direction substantially normal to the first surface of the first magnet member when a magnetic force is generated between the first magnet member and the second magnet member
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an apparatus. The apparatus includes a housing, a first magnet member, a lens holder, and a second magnet member. The first magnet member is connected to the housing. The first magnet member includes a first surface. The lens holder is in the housing. The lens holder includes a lens. The second magnet member is connected to the lens holder. The second magnet member includes a second surface. The second surface is opposite the first surface of the first magnet member. The second magnet member is configured to move in a direction substantially normal to the first surface of the first magnet member when a magnetic force is generated between the first magnet member and the second magnet member.