Multi-Axis VCM Camera Actuator for OIS, AF, and Tilt
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing small form factor cameras face challenges in achieving high-resolution optical image stabilization and autofocus functionality within compact designs, particularly in mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
A camera actuator system utilizing a voice coil motor (VCM) with a magnet, coils, a sensor shift platform, and flexures to move the image sensor and/or lens along multiple axes, providing optical image stabilization, autofocus, and tilt functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a voice coil motor actuator is used to enable optical image stabilization and autofocus functionality, then image quality and functionality are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (optical image stabilization and autofocus) into a single voice coil motor actuator system. The actuator uses a shared magnet and coil assembly with flexure-based mechanical linkages to control both the lens position for autofocus and the sensor position for optical image stabilization, reducing the number of separate actuators needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The voice coil motor actuator is designed as a multi-functional device that performs both optical image stabilization by moving the image sensor and autofocus by moving the lens. The same electromagnetic components (magnet, coils, flexures) serve dual purposes, allowing one actuator mechanism to replace what would traditionally require separate systems.
2Measurement precision
If the camera is designed for high-resolution image capture with OIS and AF, then image quality is improved, but the camera size and manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexure-based mechanical linkages instead of rigid connections. These flexible elements allow for precise, controlled movement of the lens and sensor while accommodating manufacturing tolerances. The flexures provide compliant motion that maintains alignment precision without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances on the connecting components.
Solution Approach 2:
The voice coil motor actuator serves as an intermediary mechanism between the fixed camera body and the movable optical components (lens and sensor). It provides controlled, precise positioning through its electromagnetic field and flexure-based mechanical structure, enabling high-resolution imaging without requiring the entire camera assembly to be manufactured with extreme precision.
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
The VCM actuator system effectively enables high-resolution image capture by providing robust optical image stabilization, precise autofocus, and adjustable lens positioning, all within a compact form factor suitable for mobile devices.
Implementation Method 1
the magnet and the coils may be configured to magnetically interact to move the image sensor in directions orthogonal to an optical axis of the camera
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments include a camera voice coil motor (VCM) actuator configured to shift a lens and/or an image sensor along multiple axes. The VCM actuator may include a bottom flexure and a top flexure that connect one or more dynamic members to one or more static members. The VCM actuator may include stationary magnets and coils held by dynamic members. In some cases, the VCM actuator may be configured to move the image sensor along an optical axis, to move the image sensor in directions orthogonal to the optical axis, and/or to tilt the image sensor relative to the orthogonal axis. In some examples, the VCM actuator may be configured to move the image sensor in directions orthogonal to the optical axis, to move the lens along the optical axis, and/or to tilt the lens relative to the optical axis.