Nested Lens Holder Structure for Compact AF and OIS Drive

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Solution Overview

Problem

As the diameter of camera lenses increases to accommodate higher resolution image sensors, the driving force required for autofocus and optical image stabilization functions also increases, posing a challenge in maintaining performance within a limited device size.

Innovation Solution

A lens driving device is designed with a base, first and second holders, coils and magnets, and ball guides to efficiently move the lens in optical and perpendicular directions, enhancing the driving force while maintaining a compact size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the lens diameter is increased to accommodate higher resolution image sensors, then the image quality is improved, but the driving force required for autofocus and optical image stabilization functions increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoiddriving force
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The lens driving device is divided into multiple independent holders (first holder, second holder, third holder) that can move separately in different directions. This segmentation allows the system to distribute the driving force requirements across multiple smaller moving masses rather than moving the entire lens assembly, thereby reducing the force needed while maintaining the ability to drive larger diameter lenses for higher resolution imaging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a nested structure where the second holder is disposed inside the first holder, and the third holder is disposed inside the second holder. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional components to be compactly integrated while enabling independent movement of each holder for autofocus and optical image stabilization functions, effectively managing the driving force requirements within a compact form factor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Measurement precision

If the lens diameter is increased, then the image quality is improved, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The nested holder structure allows the patent to accommodate a larger diameter lens for higher resolution imaging while keeping the overall device volume compact. Each holder is nested within the previous one, creating a space-efficient arrangement that supports large lens elements without proportionally increasing the device size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement with holders positioned at different levels and orientations. The first holder moves in the optical axis direction, while the second and third holders move in directions perpendicular to the optical axis, effectively utilizing multiple dimensions to accommodate the lens system within a compact volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If traditional ball guide structures are used, then the holder can move smoothly, but ball denting and base/OIS holder deformation occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement smoothnessVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces groove structures as intermediary elements between the balls and the holders/base. These grooves guide and constrain the balls, distributing the contact forces more evenly and preventing concentrated loads that cause denting and deformation. The grooves act as mediators that maintain smooth movement while protecting the structural integrity of the base and holders.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Volume of moving object

If compact design is implemented, then the device size is reduced, but the driving force capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoiddriving force capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the lens driving system into multiple holders that move independently, the patent achieves compact device size while maintaining sufficient driving force capability. Each holder can be driven by smaller actuators, and the cumulative effect of multiple holders working together provides the necessary total driving force for autofocus and optical image stabilization functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes multi-directional movement capabilities with holders that can move in both optical axis and perpendicular directions. This three-dimensional movement approach allows compact design by utilizing spatial efficiency, while the distributed actuation across multiple holders maintains the required driving force capability for various focusing and stabilization operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 solution increases the driving force by about 1.5 times compared to traditional designs, maintains performance regardless of camera orientation, and minimizes crosstalk between x-axis and y-axis driving forces, while also reducing the likelihood of ball denting and base/OIS holder deformation.

Implementation Method 1

a first ball being disposed between the upper plate of the base and the upper plate of the first holder, wherein the first ball may guide the first holder to move in the x-direction and the y-direction perpendicular to the optical axis with respect to the base

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBall bearing guidance: Ball Bearing

Implementation Method 2

a second ball being disposed between the first holder and the second holder, and the second ball can guide the second holder to move in an optical axis direction with respect to the first holder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBall bearing guidance: Ball Bearing

Implementation Method 3

a first coil and a first magnet which move the second holder in an optical axis direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 4

a second coil and a second magnet which move the first holder in an x-direction or a y-direction perpendicular to an optical axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS20250164853A1Lens driving device, camera device, and optical instrument
Publication Date: 2025.05.22 LG INNOTEK CO LTD
  • US20250164853A1 patent drawing
  • US20250164853A1 patent drawing
  • US20250164853A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present embodiment relates to a lens driving device comprising: a base; a first holder disposed on the base; a second holder disposed inside the first holder; a first coil and a first magnet which move the second holder in an optical axis direction; a second coil and a second magnet which move the first holder in an x-direction or a y-direction perpendicular to an optical axis; and a first ball disposed between the top plate of the base and the top plate of the first holder, wherein the first ball guides the first holder to move relative to the base in the x-direction and the y-direction perpendicular to the optical axis.