Optical Element Drive Structure for Compact Autofocus and OIS

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera module driving mechanisms struggle to achieve both autofocus and optical image stabilization while maintaining miniaturization.

Innovation Solution

An optical element driving mechanism incorporating a fixed assembly, movable part, and driving assembly, with guiding assemblies and stabilizing elements using magnetic materials to guide and stabilize the movable part, and a piezoelectric element to generate driving force, ensuring smooth movement and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a driving mechanism is designed to achieve both autofocus and optical image stabilization, then the functionality is improved, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the autofocus and optical image stabilization functions into a single integrated driving mechanism. The driving assembly with the piezoelectric element serves dual purposes: it drives the movable part for autofocus while simultaneously providing optical image stabilization through the guiding assemblies. This merging of functions allows the device to achieve both capabilities without requiring separate mechanisms, thereby controlling device size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The driving assembly is designed with multi-functionality, where the piezoelectric element and guiding assemblies work together to provide both autofocus and optical image stabilization. The first and second guiding assemblies with their stabilizing elements create a universal mechanism that handles multiple functions through a single integrated structure, reducing the overall device volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If guiding assemblies with stabilizing elements are added to prevent tilting, then the stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical stabilization mechanisms with a magnetic field-based approach. The first and second stabilizing elements with magnetic materials interact with the movable part through magnetic fields to provide stabilization without requiring complex mechanical linkages or additional moving components. This substitution reduces structural complexity while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic field acts as an intermediary between the stabilizing elements and the movable part. Instead of direct mechanical contact, the magnetic field mediates the interaction, providing smooth stabilization without the need for complex mechanical guidance structures. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If the accommodation space is designed with specific geometric constraints, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the design flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveprecisionVSAvoiddesign flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating specific geometric constraints only in critical areas where precision is needed. The accommodation space has specialized geometric features at key locations to ensure precise positioning of the piezoelectric element and guiding assemblies, while other areas maintain greater flexibility. This localized approach to precision requirements allows manufacturing precision to be improved without unnecessarily restricting overall design flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 mechanism effectively achieves autofocus and optical image stabilization while minimizing size, preventing tilting and protecting the transmission element from impact, thus enhancing image quality and device compactness.

Implementation Method 1

The first stabilizing element has a magnetic material. The first stabilizing element is configured to generate a first stabilizing force to the movable part. The first stabilizing force drives the movable part toward the first supporting element.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

the driving assembly includes a driving element, a transmission element and an enhancing element. The driving element is configured to generate a driving force. The driving element has a piezoelectric unit.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20260023238A1Optical element driving mechanism

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 TDK CORP

AI summary

An optical element driving mechanism is provided. The optical element driving mechanism includes a fixed assembly, a movable part, and a driving assembly. The fixed assembly has a main axis. The movable part is configured to be connected to an optical element, and the movable part is movable relative to the fixed assembly. The driving assembly is configured to drive the movable part to move relative to the fixed assembly.