Moving-Coil Camera Actuator With Dynamic Flex for Compact OIS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small form factor cameras face challenges in achieving high-resolution optical image stabilization and autofocus due to limited space, requiring innovative mechanisms to adjust the optical lens and image sensor movements efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The camera incorporates a sensor shift actuator with a suspension arrangement, including bearing and flexure suspension systems, and a dynamic flex circuit to enable precise movement of the image sensor and lens group, utilizing voice coil motors and moving coils to provide optical image stabilization and autofocus functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional rigid circuit board is used to connect the image sensor and lens group, then electrical connections are stable, but the device cannot achieve precise movement and optical image stabilization due to lack of flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid circuit board with a dynamic flex circuit that can bend and flex during actuator movement. The flex circuit includes a flexible substrate with conductive traces that maintain electrical connectivity while accommodating the relative motion between the image sensor and lens group, enabling both stable electrical connections and precise movement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible circuit board composed of thin flexible substrates with conductive patterns. These flexible films can deform elastically during the movement of the image sensor and lens group, providing continuous electrical connection without restricting the range of motion or compromising connection reliability
2Reliability
If the camera module includes comprehensive OIS and AF mechanisms with multiple moving components, then image quality and stabilization performance are improved, but the form factor increases and space constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the OIS and AF mechanisms into a single integrated actuator assembly where the image sensor and lens group are coupled through a shared suspension system. The flex circuit serves as both the electrical connection medium and the mechanical coupling element, merging multiple functions into a compact unified structure that reduces overall module volume
Solution Approach 2:
The flex circuit performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connectivity between the image sensor and lens group, acts as a mechanical suspension element allowing controlled movement, and serves as a structural support component. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate rigid circuit boards and mechanical linkages, reducing the camera module size
3Ease of operation
If a dynamic flex circuit is used to enable movement, then optical image stabilization and autofocus are achieved, but electrical connection reliability may be compromised due to repeated flexing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the flex circuit parameters including the thickness, material composition, and trace geometry of the flexible substrate. The conductive traces are designed with appropriate width, spacing, and reinforcement structures that maintain electrical integrity during repeated flexing cycles while allowing the necessary range of motion for OIS and AF operations
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 allows for effective optical image stabilization and autofocus in a compact form factor, enhancing image quality by enabling precise adjustments of the image sensor and lens group movements, thereby addressing the space constraints and performance requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The coil and the magnet may be positioned proximate one another so that the coil is capable of electromagnetically interacting with the magnet to move the movable frame
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments include a camera having an actuator with one or more moving coils and a dynamic flex circuit. In some embodiments, the camera may include a movable frame that is fixedly coupled with a lens group or an image sensor. The actuator may be a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator that moves the movable frame relative to one or more stationary structures of the camera. The VCM actuator may include a coil coupled with the movable frame, and a magnet coupled with the stationary structure(s). The dynamic flex circuit may be configured to provide an electrical connection between the coil and the stationary structure(s), and a portion of the dynamic flex circuit may provide service loop to allow motion of the movable frame enabled by the VCM actuator.