Nested Lens Actuator Suspension for Thin Camera Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile electronic devices face challenges in achieving thin form factors while maintaining high-quality imaging capabilities, particularly in integrating optical image stabilization and autofocus mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A nested design of lens group actuators, where a second lens group actuator is positioned inside a first lens group actuator, suspended from the device body, utilizing flexure bearings for a flat actuator design, enabling both autofocus and optical image stabilization functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional imaging apparatus are used to achieve optical image stabilization and autofocus, then imaging quality is improved, but device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested actuator configuration where a first lens group actuator and a second lens group actuator are positioned such that one is inside the other. This nesting arrangement allows both actuators to share the same spatial envelope, significantly reducing the overall thickness of the imaging apparatus while maintaining the functionality of both autofocus and optical image stabilization systems
2Volume of moving object
If lens group actuators are nested to reduce device thickness, then device compactness is improved, but actuator stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a support structure as an intermediary element that connects the nested actuators to the device housing. This support structure provides stable mounting and positioning for both the first and second lens group actuators, ensuring their operational stability while allowing them to maintain their compact nested arrangement. The support structure acts as a mediator that resolves the conflict between compactness and stability
3Length of moving object
If nested actuator design is implemented to achieve thin form factor, then manufacturing complexity increases, but device portability is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging apparatus into distinct modular components: a first lens group actuator, a second lens group actuator, and a support structure. Each component can be manufactured and tested independently before assembly. The segmentation of the nested actuator system into separate functional modules simplifies the manufacturing process by allowing specialized production techniques to be applied to each component, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the sophisticated nested configuration
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 allows for improved imaging quality in thin devices by stabilizing the lens group effectively against tilting and shaking, enhancing autofocus performance and optical image stabilization.
Implementation Method 1
A suspension element may be a flexure bearing, allowing a flat actuator design
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus comprises two actuators, such as an autofocus actuator and optical image stabilizer. The actuators are nested, wherein the outer actuator is suspended from the device body and the inner actuator is suspended from the outer actuator. A suspension element may be a flexure bearing, allowing a flat actuator design.