Optical Actuator Cushioning Structure for Impact and Noise Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical actuators in camera modules do not have a mechanism to absorb impacts caused by collisions between movable and fixed members, leading to potential damage and abnormal noise.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a cushioning member with first and second cushioning surfaces on the movable-side member, which face the fixed-side member at different distances, to absorb impacts during normal operation and when collisions occur.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a movable-side member is made movable relative to a fixed-side member in an optical actuator, then operational flexibility and focus adjustment are improved, but impact damage and abnormal noise occur during collision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidimpact resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A cushioning member is disposed on the movable-side member to provide beforehand cushioning against impact. The cushioning member includes a first cushioning surface that contacts the fixed-side member during normal operation and a second cushioning surface positioned at a greater distance that contacts during impact events, absorbing shock before it reaches critical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The cushioning member acts as an intermediary element between the movable-side member and the fixed-side member. It mediates the interaction by providing a compliant interface that absorbs impact energy through deformation of the cushioning surfaces, preventing direct rigid contact between the movable and fixed members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a cushioning mechanism is added to absorb impact, then reliability and damage prevention are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cushioning member utilizes flexible surfaces (first and second cushioning surfaces) that deform under impact to absorb energy. This flexible surface approach provides effective impact absorption without requiring complex mechanical structures, springs, or dampers, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The cushioning member is segmented into multiple functional surfaces (first cushioning surface for normal operation contact and second cushioning surface for impact contact). This segmentation allows each surface to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that does not significantly increase device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration effectively absorbs impacts, preventing damage to the movable and fixed members and reducing abnormal noise, while maintaining operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a cushioning member disposed on the movable-side member, in which the cushioning member includes a first cushioning surface and a second cushioning surface that face the fixed-side member at respective different distances

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12306527B2Optical actuator, camera module, and camera-mounted device

Publication Date: 2025.05.20 MITSUMI ELECTRIC CO LTD

AI summary

An optical actuator is an optical actuator configured to move an optical element by a driving part, and includes a movable-side member configured to hold the optical element, a fixed-side member configured to support the movable-side member such that the movable-side member is movable, and a cushioning member disposed on the movable-side member, in which the cushioning member includes a first cushioning surface and a second cushioning surface that face the fixed-side member at respective different distances.