Camera Module OIS Actuator with Folded Light Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera modules face challenges in achieving high zoom magnification without significantly increasing the thickness of electronic devices, as longer total track lengths require larger device sizes, and existing solutions like reflective members complicate the design.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design incorporating an optical image stabilization (OIS) base with a movable OIS holder and actuator, and an auto focus (AF) base with a movable lens module, utilizing voice coil motors and magnetic interactions to shift components perpendicular to the optical axis, along with ball members and guide grooves for precise movement control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the distance between object-side lens and image sensor is increased to increase total track length for high zoom magnification, then zoom magnification is improved, but device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflective member (prism) to change the light path direction by approximately 90 degrees, transitioning the optical system from a linear arrangement to a folded configuration. This allows the total track length to extend in a direction perpendicular to the device thickness direction, achieving high zoom magnification without increasing device thickness
2Length of stationary object
If a reflective member is added to change light path direction, then device thickness is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The OIS holder is designed to perform multiple functions: it holds the image sensor, provides optical image stabilization by moving the sensor in perpendicular directions, and integrates the OIS actuator with coil and magnet components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite adding the reflective member
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the OIS actuator components (coil and magnet) and the image sensor holder into a single integrated OIS holder assembly. This merging of functions into one component reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall camera module structure, offsetting the complexity introduced by the reflective member
3Reliability
If OIS actuator components are added to shift image sensor, then optical image stabilization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The OIS holder integrates multiple functions: holding the image sensor, providing electromagnetic actuation through integrated coil and magnet components, and enabling bidirectional movement for image stabilization. This multi-functional design achieves effective OIS while minimizing the number of separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
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
Enables high-quality imaging with improved optical image stabilization and autofocusing capabilities while maintaining a compact device size by efficiently managing component movement and preventing unwanted directional shifts during image capture.
Implementation Method 1
The first OIS actuator includes a first coil and a first magnet opposing each other in either one of the first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis and intersecting the first direction
Implementation Method 2
The camera module may further include a ball member disposed between the OIS holder and the OIS base
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module includes: an optical image stabilization (OIS) base; an OIS holder movably coupled to the OIS base in a first direction perpendicular to an optical axis, and fixedly coupled to an image sensor; and a first OIS actuator configured to shift the image sensor in the first direction. The first OIS actuator includes a first coil and a first magnet opposing each other in one of the first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis and intersecting the first direction. The first coil is disposed at one of the OIS holder and the OIS base, and the first magnet is disposed at the other of the OIS holder and the OIS base.