Actuator Assembly with Off-Center Rotation for Compact Camera OIS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuator assemblies in miniature cameras are limited in their ability to compensate for shake due to their small dimensions, restricting the amplitude of shake that can be compensated for through optical image stabilization (OIS), and they do not effectively enhance the performance of 3D sensing systems.
Innovation Solution
The actuator assembly includes a movable element that rotates about an axis perpendicular to its principal axis and does not pass through its center, combined with translational movement, to increase the compensation for vibration and enhance 3D sensing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the actuator dimensions are reduced for miniaturization, then the device size is reduced, but the maximum amplitude of shake that can be compensated for is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces rotational movement as an additional degree of freedom beyond traditional translational movement. By enabling the movable element to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the optical axis, the system compensates for shake in both lateral and angular directions, effectively increasing the compensation capability without requiring larger actuator dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides both translational movement for conventional OIS and rotational movement for enhanced shake compensation and 3D sensing. This multi-functionality allows a single compact actuator to achieve what would traditionally require multiple larger components.
2Reliability
If the movable element is moved laterally to compensate for shake, then optical image stabilization is achieved, but the range of motion is limited by actuator dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds rotational movement about an axis perpendicular to the optical axis as a second dimension of motion. This enables the system to achieve larger effective displacement for shake compensation by combining lateral translation with rotation, thereby extending the range of motion beyond what is possible with translation alone in compact actuators.
3Reliability
If the movable element rotates about an axis not passing through its center, then vibration compensation is enhanced, but the mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of the rotation axis relative to the movable element's center. This asymmetric configuration enables the element to trace a larger circular path during rotation, enhancing vibration compensation capability. The asymmetric design is integrated into the actuator structure, allowing the complexity to be managed within a compact form factor.
Data Source
AI summary
An actuation assembly comprising: a support structure; a movable element movable relative to the support structure, the movable element having a principal axis; and an actuator arrangement for driving movement of the movable element with respect to the support structure, wherein said movement includes rotational movement of the movable element about an axis which is perpendicular to said principal axis and does not pass through the centre of the movable element, and wherein said movement also includes translational movement of the movable element in a direction perpendicular to the principal axis. The actuation assembly may be used to perform optical image stabilisation or to improve the performance of a 3D sensing system.