Nested Optical Element Drive for Compact Dual-Stage Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of designing a driving mechanism suitable for multiple optical elements while maintaining the miniaturization of electronic devices, particularly in imaging applications, has not been adequately addressed, as existing designs often require special mechanisms for macro and telephoto lenses, leading to issues with size reduction and control precision.
Innovation Solution
An optical element driving mechanism with a fixed portion, movable portion, and moving portion, utilizing multiple driving assemblies and elastic assemblies to enable two-step movements and precise control, including first and second driving coils, driving magnetic elements, and elastic assemblies to manage movements parallel and perpendicular to the optical axis, with limiting planes to define movement ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single driving mechanism is used for multiple optical elements, then device complexity is reduced and miniaturization is achieved, but control precision and movement range are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The driving mechanism is segmented into two independent driving assemblies: a first driving assembly (with first driving coil and first magnetic element) for moving the movable portion relative to the fixed portion, and a second driving assembly (with second driving coil and second magnetic element) for moving the moving portion relative to the movable portion. This segmentation allows each assembly to be optimized for specific movement requirements while maintaining overall system compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism employs a nested structure where the moving portion is disposed within the movable portion, which itself is disposed within the fixed portion. The second driving assembly is nested within the first driving assembly, with the second magnetic element positioned between the first driving coil and second driving coil. This nesting achieves miniaturization while preserving multiple degrees of freedom.
2Length of moving object
If elastic assemblies are made more flexible to increase movement range, then optical element positioning range is improved, but the risk of elastic assembly breakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic connection is segmented into multiple sections: a first elastic assembly connecting the fixed portion to the movable portion, and a second elastic assembly connecting the movable portion to the moving portion. Each elastic assembly operates within a smaller, optimized deformation range, reducing stress concentration and breakage risk while achieving a cumulative movement range of several millimeters through coordinated deformation of both assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic assemblies are pre-designed with appropriate pre-tension and deformation margins to cushion against excessive forces. The limiting planes are positioned to prevent over-deformation before critical stress levels are reached, providing a safety buffer that protects the elastic assemblies from breakage during normal operation.
3Volume of moving object
If limiting planes are positioned closer together to reduce overall device size, then miniaturization is achieved, but the movement range of optical elements is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The total movement range is segmented into two independent ranges: a first movement range for the movable portion relative to the fixed portion (controlled by first limiting planes), and a second movement range for the moving portion relative to the movable portion (controlled by second limiting planes). This allows the cumulative movement range to exceed what would be possible with a single limiting plane pair, while maintaining compact overall dimensions through the nested configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism utilizes multiple spatial dimensions and levels: the first driving assembly operates at an outer level with larger stroke, while the second driving assembly operates at an inner nested level with additional stroke. This multi-level arrangement allows the sum of movement ranges in different dimensional layers to exceed the device's external footprint, effectively achieving large movement range within small volume.
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 solution allows for larger relative moving ranges, reduces the risk of elastic assembly breakage, enhances control precision, and supports greater focal length adjustment, enabling improved optical element positioning and stabilization.
Implementation Method 1
the first driving assembly includes a first driving coil and the second driving assembly includes a second driving coil and a driving magnetic element
Implementation Method 2
a first elastic assembly, which is disposed near a light incident end of the moving portion, and elastically connects the fixed portion, the movable portion and the moving portion
Data Source
AI summary
An optical element driving mechanism includes a fixed portion, a movable portion, a moving portion, a first driving assembly and a second driving assembly. The movable portion is movable relative to the fixed portion. The moving portion is connected to an optical element having an optical axis, and is movable relative to the movable portion. The first driving assembly drives the movable portion to move relative to the fixed portion; and the second driving assembly drives the moving portion to move relative to the movable portion.