Camera Actuator Structure for OIS Damping in Slim Camera Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera modules face challenges in securing sufficient space for optical image stabilizer (OIS) actuators due to space constraints, particularly in ultra-slim and ultra-small designs, and suffer from magnetic field interference between OIS, auto focusing (AF), and zooming functions, leading to oscillation and reduced light intake.
Innovation Solution
A camera actuator design incorporating a housing, mover, tilting guide unit, driving unit, elastic member, and damper member to suppress oscillation, enhance reliability, and prevent magnetic field interference, allowing for stable tilting and improved light intake without increasing size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If actuators for OIS are disposed around the lens to enable tilting motion, then the OIS function is achieved, but the camera module size increases and space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the OIS actuator and the AF/zoom actuator into a single integrated actuator structure. The housing contains both the OIS driving unit with first magnet and the AF/zoom driving unit with second magnet, eliminating the need for separate actuator spaces around the lens while achieving both functions through unified magnetic field control
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated actuator serves multiple functions: the first magnet and coil combination enables OIS tilting motion, while the second magnet and coil combination enables AF focusing and zooming. This multi-functional design allows a single actuator structure to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate actuators, reducing overall module size
2Volume of moving object
If OIS magnet and AF or zoom magnet are disposed close to each other to save space, then space constraint is addressed, but magnetic field interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic shield as an intermediary element positioned between the first magnet (OIS) and the second magnet (AF/zoom). This magnetic shield acts as a barrier that blocks or redirects magnetic field lines, preventing the magnetic field from the OIS magnet from interfering with the AF/zoom magnet while allowing both magnets to be disposed close to each other in the integrated actuator structure
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator space is segmented into distinct magnetic field zones using the magnetic shield. The shield divides the internal space of the housing into regions where the first magnet and second magnet operate with minimal cross-interference, allowing each magnetic system to function independently despite their close proximity in the compact integrated design
3Reliability
If elastic member is used to provide retention force in OIS actuator, then retention force is achieved, but oscillation occurs during OIS operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a damper member as an intermediary element that works in conjunction with the elastic member. The damper member absorbs and dissipates the oscillatory energy generated by the elastic member's retention force, acting as a mediator that converts the harmful oscillation into usable damping force while maintaining the retention function. This combination allows the elastic member to provide necessary retention force without causing excessive oscillation during OIS operation
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
The design enables stable operation of OIS, AF, and zooming functions in ultra-slim cameras with reduced oscillation, improved durability, and efficient light intake, while minimizing magnetic interference and power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member that allows the tilting guide unit to be in close contact with the mover
Implementation Method 2
a damper member coupled to at least one group of the elastic member the housing... in which oscillation due to an elastic member is suppressed through a damper member
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Disclosed according to an embodiment of the present invention is a camera actuator comprising: a housing; a mover which is disposed in the housing; a tilting guide unit which is disposed between the housing and the mover; a driving unit which is disposed in the housing to drive the mover; an elastic member by which the tilting guide unit and the mover come into close contact with each other; and a damper member which is disposed between the elastic member and at least one of the mover and the housing.