Offset Camera Actuator for Thinned Bezel Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing camera modules in portable electronic devices are limited in thinning the bezel region due to their size, which restricts the extent to which the edge of the device can be made thinner, as they occupy significant space and overlap with the display module in the thickness direction.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design that includes a housing with a lens module and an actuator system featuring magnets and coils, where the actuator is offset to reduce space occupancy, and the lens module has stepped surfaces to allow for a more compact configuration, enabling the bezel to be thinned by allowing the camera and display modules to partially overlap in the thickness direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the camera module is disposed in the bezel region, then the camera module can be accommodated in the portable electronic device, but the bezel thickness cannot be significantly reduced due to the size of the camera module
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the actuator from a lateral arrangement to an arrangement along the optical axis direction, utilizing the thickness dimension of the camera module. This dimensional change allows the actuator to be positioned within the depth of the camera module rather than extending the lateral footprint, thereby reducing the overall camera module size in the plane and enabling thinner bezel design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the magnet is disposed within a step difference portion of the lens module, and the coil is positioned within the housing. This nesting arrangement allows components to be space-efficiently organized, with the actuator system integrated into the existing camera module structure, reducing the overall volume occupied by the camera module.
2Measurement precision
If the actuator is positioned centrally in the lens module, then the optical alignment is maintained, but the space occupancy is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetric positioning of the magnet and coil relative to the optical axis. The magnet is disposed in a step difference portion that is offset from the optical axis, and the coil is positioned asymmetrically within the housing. This asymmetric arrangement reduces the space required for the actuator while maintaining functional effectiveness through strategic positioning rather than central symmetry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the magnet and coil in specific locations optimized for their function. The magnet is placed in the step difference portion where it can effectively interact with the coil, and the coil is positioned to face the magnet at an optimal distance. This localized optimization allows the actuator to function effectively with minimal space occupancy.
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 reduces the space occupied by the actuator and allows for significant thinning of the bezel, enabling a bezel-less technology by allowing the camera and display modules to partially overlap, thus enhancing the miniaturization of the camera module and reducing the bezel thickness of portable electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator configured to move the lens module in an optical axis direction, and including a magnet disposed in the lens module and a coil facing the magnet
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module includes: a housing configured to accommodate a lens module; and an actuator configured to move the lens module in an optical axis direction, and including a magnet disposed in the lens module and a coil facing the magnet, wherein a convex portion and a first step difference portion stepped from the convex portion are disposed on one surface of the lens module, wherein the first step difference portion is offset to one side of the lens module, with respect to the one surface of the lens module, and wherein the magnet is disposed in the first step difference portion.