Nested Optical Element Drive Mechanism for Compact Durable Modules

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge is to reduce the size of optical element driving mechanisms while increasing their durability, particularly in modern mobile devices that require smaller and more robust designs for image-capturing and video-recording functions.

Innovation Solution

The optical element driving mechanism includes a first holder, a fixed portion, a first driving assembly, and a first stopping assembly. The mechanism utilizes a second holder, a second driving assembly, and a guiding assembly to achieve precise movement of optical elements, with components such as piezoelectric materials, nonmetal materials, and shape memory alloys used for driving and stabilizing the optical elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the optical element driving mechanism is reduced in size, then it meets the size requirements of modern mobile devices, but its durability and reliability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize of optical element driving mechanismVSAvoiddurability of optical element driving mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested structure where the first driving assembly is disposed within the accommodating space formed by the fixed portion, and the second driving assembly is disposed within the first holder. This nesting arrangement allows multiple functional components to be compactly integrated without compromising structural integrity or reliability, effectively reducing overall mechanism size while maintaining durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical element driving mechanism is segmented into distinct functional modules: a first driving assembly for moving the first holder relative to the fixed portion, and a second driving assembly for moving the second holder relative to the first holder. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently for both size and reliability, with stopping assemblies providing precise positional control to enhance overall system durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If the optical element driving mechanism is reduced in size, then it enables thinner device profiles, but manufacturing precision and assembly difficulty may increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize of optical element driving mechanismVSAvoidprecision of optical element driving mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The stopping assemblies are designed with pre-defined stopping positions that establish precise operational limits for the holders before assembly. The first stopping assembly restricts the movable range of the first holder relative to the fixed portion, while the second stopping assembly restricts the movable range of the second holder relative to the first holder. This preliminary positioning guidance simplifies assembly procedures and maintains manufacturing precision despite the compact size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If conventional driving mechanisms are used, then the structure is simpler, but the mechanism size cannot be reduced sufficiently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural complexity of driving mechanismVSAvoidsize of optical element driving mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs piezoelectric materials in the driving assemblies to replace conventional mechanical motors and gear systems. Piezoelectric actuators convert electrical energy directly into mechanical displacement, eliminating the need for bulky motors, transmissions, and associated mechanical components. This substitution dramatically reduces the size of the driving mechanism while maintaining the necessary driving capability for optical element positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 achieves miniaturization and enhanced durability of the optical element driving mechanism, enabling effective auto focus and optical image stabilization while accommodating the size and durability requirements of modern mobile devices.

Implementation Method 1

The material of the driving force source includes piezoelectric material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12225276B2Optical element driving mechanism

Publication Date: 2025.02.11 ACTUTEK CORP

AI summary

An optical element driving mechanism is provided. The optical element driving mechanism includes a first holder, a fixed portion, a first driving assembly, and a first stopping assembly. The first holder is used for connecting to an optical element. The first holder is movable relative to the fixed portion. The first driving assembly is used for driving the first holder to move relative to the fixed portion. The first stopping assembly is used for restricting the movable range of the first holder relative to the fixed portion.