Optical Member Driving Mechanism for Thin Camera Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
The thickness of camera modules in electronic devices cannot be reduced further due to the space occupied by position sensors, which are necessary for image stabilization, hindering miniaturization efforts.
Innovation Solution
An optical system with an electromagnetic driving assembly that moves an optical element relative to a base without a position-sensing element, using a sensing unit and control unit outside the casing to generate driving currents based on reference data and sensing signals, allowing for image stabilization without the need for internal position sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a position sensor is used inside the camera module for image stabilization, then image stabilization capability is achieved, but the thickness of the camera module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The position sensor is extracted from the camera module and relocated to the external sensing unit. The driving module no longer contains position-sensing elements, eliminating the need for internal position sensor space while maintaining image stabilization functionality through the external sensing system that detects movement and generates compensation signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing function is moved from the internal Z-axis dimension (thickness direction) to an external sensing dimension. The sensing unit is disposed outside the casing with sensing elements that detect movement along the optical axis without occupying internal space, effectively utilizing external spatial arrangement to resolve the thickness constraint.
2Length of moving object
If the thickness of the camera module is reduced for miniaturization, then the overall device size is reduced, but the ability to perform image stabilization is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
An external sensing unit acts as an intermediary between the camera module and the control system. This sensing unit detects movement of the optical element and provides sensing signals to the control unit, which then generates driving currents to compensate for movement, enabling image stabilization without requiring internal position sensors in the thinned camera module.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical position sensing system inside the camera module is replaced with an external sensing system that uses sensing units and control units to detect and compensate for optical element movement. This substitution allows the camera module to be thinned while maintaining stabilization capability through an alternative sensing and control architecture.
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 configuration reduces the thickness of the driving module by eliminating the need for position sensors, achieving miniaturization while maintaining image stabilization capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic driving assembly... configured to force the optical element to move relative to the base
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides an optical member driving mechanism including a movable portion, a fixed portion, a driving assembly and a circuit assembly. The movable portion is configured to connect an optical member with an optical axis. The fixed portion includes a base, wherein the movable portion is movable relative to the fixed portion. The driving assembly is configured to drive the movable portion to move relative to the fixed portion. The circuit assembly is electrically connected to the driving assembly and includes a circuit element, wherein the optical axis passes through an opening of the base, and the circuit element at least partially extends to the opening.