Nested Camera Barrel Structure for Adjustable Lens Protrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Camera modules in portable electronic devices face challenges in reducing size without compromising performance, particularly due to the protrusion caused by increased lenses and actuators for focus adjustment and image stabilization.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design featuring a driving unit, multiple barrels, and a lens module with a lens holder and carrier supported by ball members, allowing for adjustable protrusion through rotational and axial movements of barrels, and a mechanism that includes magnetic and mechanical interactions to facilitate lens movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of lenses and actuators is increased to capture high-resolution images and perform focus adjustment and image stabilization, then image quality and functionality are improved, but the size of the camera module increases and it protrudes from the portable electronic device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested barrel structure where multiple barrels are disposed inside each other along the optical axis direction. The first barrel is disposed inside the second base, the second barrel is disposed inside the first barrel, and the third barrel including the lens module is disposed inside the second barrel. This nested arrangement allows multiple lenses and actuators to be compactly arranged without increasing the overall footprint, resolving the contradiction between maintaining high image quality functionality and reducing camera module size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic protrusion control mechanism where the barrels can rotate and move in the optical axis direction based on operational needs. The driving unit generates driving force that causes the first base to rotate, which in turn causes the barrels to move in the optical axis direction. This dynamic adjustment allows the camera module to protrude only when needed for operation, reducing size when not in use while maintaining full functionality during operation.
2Volume of moving object
If the camera module is designed to reduce size and minimize protrusion, then the thickness of the portable electronic device is reduced, but the lens movement required for focus adjustment and image stabilization is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic protrusion control mechanism where the barrels can rotate and move in the optical axis direction based on operational needs. The driving unit generates driving force that causes the first base to rotate, which in turn causes the barrels to move in the optical axis direction. This dynamic adjustment allows the camera module to protrude only when needed for operation, reducing size when not in use while maintaining full functionality during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the camera module into multiple segmented barrels (first barrel, second barrel, third barrel) that can move independently relative to each other. Each barrel can be controlled to protrude or retract based on operational requirements. This segmentation allows the lens module to achieve sufficient movement distance for focus adjustment and image stabilization by extending the third barrel, while the first and second barrels can remain retracted to minimize overall protrusion when not in use.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple barrels are configured to move in the optical axis direction through rotational movement of the first base, then the camera module can adjust protrusion dynamically, but the mechanical complexity and device structure become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal rotational mechanism where the first base rotation serves multiple functions simultaneously. The same rotational movement of the first base drives the movement of all three barrels in the optical axis direction, and also enables the portions of the barrels to rotate. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate actuation mechanisms for each barrel, thereby reducing overall mechanical complexity while maintaining dynamic protrusion adjustment capability.
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
Enables the camera module to adjust its protrusion based on operational needs, reducing thickness when not in use and ensuring sufficient lens movement for focus and stabilization, thus minimizing protrusion from the device.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of ball members disposed between the lens holder and the carrier, and configured to support a movement of the carrier
Implementation Method 2
a first magnetic body disposed on the lens holder and a second magnetic body disposed on the carrier; and a coil and a connection substrate disposed in the lens holder and disposed to face the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module is provided. The camera module includes a driving unit configured to generate a driving force, a plurality of barrels configured to move in an optical axis direction based on the driving force, and a lens module accommodated in any one barrel among the plurality of barrels. The lens module includes a lens holder fixed to the any one barrel, and a carrier accommodated in the lens holder and configured to move with respect to the lens holder in the optical axis direction. A plurality of ball members disposed between the lens holder and the carrier configured to support a movement of the carrier.