Optical element driving unit, imaging optical module and electronic device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical systems face challenges in achieving both high image quality and compactness due to the complexity and size increase required for functionalities like auto focus, optical image stabilization, and optical zoom, making it difficult to install a driving mechanism that effectively moves optical elements in limited spaces.

Innovation Solution

An optical element driving unit with a stationary body, a carrier, a supporting mechanism, and an electromagnetic driving assembly, where the carrier has at least one degree of freedom of movement, incorporating a driving coil, a driving magnet, and a ferromagnetic element with a magnetic field guiding part and electrical connection, allowing for efficient movement and electrical connection in a compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional camera modules include driving mechanisms for auto focus, optical image stabilization and optical zoom, then the functionalities are improved, but the structure becomes more complex and the size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalitiesVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple driving mechanisms into a single integrated electromagnetic driving assembly that can drive different optical elements (lens for focusing, prism for OIS, lens for zoom) through unified electromagnetic actuators, reducing structural complexity while maintaining all required functionalities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnetic driving assembly is designed as a universal driving system that can perform multiple functions (focusing, OIS, zoom) through a single mechanism, eliminating the need for separate dedicated driving mechanisms for each function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional camera modules include driving mechanisms for auto focus, optical image stabilization and optical zoom, then the functionalities are improved, but the size of the camera module and electronic device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalitiesVSAvoidsize
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple driving mechanisms are merged into a compact electromagnetic driving assembly that occupies minimal space while providing all necessary driving functions for focusing, OIS, and zoom operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional mechanical driving mechanisms are replaced with electromagnetic driving assemblies that provide equivalent or superior driving performance in a significantly reduced space, enabling miniaturization of the optical system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Force

If the storage space for driving mechanism is increased to install effective driving mechanism, then the driving force is improved, but the miniaturization requirement is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving forceVSAvoidstorage space
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic driving assembly utilizes electromagnetic field parameters (current, magnetic flux density) to generate sufficient driving force without requiring large physical dimensions, achieving high force output in compact space through optimization of electromagnetic parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution enhances the driving force and design flexibility, enabling the optical element driving unit to provide zooming, focusing, and image stabilization functions while maintaining a compact size, thus addressing the need for miniaturization and high image quality.

Implementation Method 1

The electromagnetic driving assembly is configured to move the carrier relative to the stationary body. The electromagnetic driving assembly includes a driving coil, a driving magnet and a ferromagnetic element.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

The ferromagnetic element is one-piece formed and includes a magnetic field guiding part and a first electrical connection part. The magnetic field guiding part faces at least one of the driving coil or the driving magnet.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field guiding: Ferromagnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4113965B1Optical element driving unit, imaging optical module and electronic device
Publication Date: 2023.12.06 LARGAN DIGITAL
  • EP4113965B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4113965B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4113965B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An optical element driving unit (30) includes a stationary body (31), a carrier (33), a supporting mechanism (35) and an electromagnetic driving assembly (37). The supporting mechanism (35) is connected to the carrier (33) and the stationary body (31) and provides the carrier (33) with a degree of freedom of movement relative to the stationary body (31). The carrier (33) can be driven to move by the electromagnetic driving assembly (37). The electromagnetic driving assembly (37) includes a driving coil (371), a driving magnet (373) and a ferromagnetic element (375). The driving coil (371) is disposed on the carrier (33). The driving magnet (373) is disposed on the stationary body (31). The ferromagnetic element (375) is one-piece formed and embedded in the carrier (33), and the ferromagnetic element (375) includes a magnetic field guiding part (3751) and an electrical connection part. The magnetic field guiding part (3751) faces the driving coil (371) and/or the driving magnet (373). The electrical connection part is exposed on a surface of the carrier (33) and electrically connected to the driving coil (371).