Optical Element Driving Mechanism With Integrated Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in designing compact optical element driving mechanisms for miniaturized electronic devices, such as laptops and smartphones, is to create a mechanism that effectively senses the position of a movable part relative to a fixed part while allowing for the miniaturization of optical modules, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.

Innovation Solution

An optical element driving mechanism comprising a movable part, a fixed part, and a sensing assembly that includes suspended wires and circuit elements, allowing the optical element to move between closed and open states by detecting position changes, eliminating the need for conventional configurations like Hall magnetic elements or coils, thereby enabling miniaturization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional sensing assemblies (Hall magnetic elements or coils) are used to detect the position of the movable part, then the position detection function is achieved, but the size of the optical module increases and miniaturization is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidoptical module size

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sensing assembly with the optical element itself, making the optical element serve dual purposes: both optical function and position sensing. The optical element includes conductive portions that act as sensing elements, eliminating the need for separate bulky sensing components like Hall magnetic elements or coils.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as both the optical component for light transmission and the sensing element for position detection. The conductive portions of the optical element function as both optical apertures and sensing electrodes, reducing the overall module size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the optical element moves between closed and open states for light control, then the light passage control function is achieved, but the mechanism requires sufficient movement space that conflicts with miniaturization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight passage controlVSAvoidmechanism volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested structure where the movable part containing the optical element is positioned within the housing. The optical element can move between closed and open states within the confined space of the housing, with the sensing assembly integrated into the same structure to detect position changes without requiring additional external space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Measurement precision

If the sensing assembly is integrated closely with the optical element for precise position sensing, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to precise positioning requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition sensing accuracyVSAvoidassembly fabrication difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the sensing assembly with the optical element structure, the patent eliminates the need for separate precise positioning of independent sensing components. The conductive portions are integral to the optical element, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining sensing accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 allows for the miniaturization of optical driving mechanisms by sensing the position of the optical element through electrical conduction, enabling precise control of light passage and module compactness without the need for bulky components, thus aligning with the trend of downsizing in electronic device designs.

Implementation Method 1

The sensing assembly is for detecting the position of the movable part relative to the fixed part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

the suspended wire is laser welded to the circuit element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser welding: Laser Beam Welding

Data Source

PatentUS20240393508A1Optical element driving mechanism

Publication Date: 2024.11.28 ACTUTEK CORP

AI summary

An optical element driving mechanism is provided. The optical element driving mechanism includes a movable part, a fixed part, and a sensing assembly. The movable part is used for connecting an optical element. The fixed part has an opening for allowing light to pass through. The movable part moves relative to the fixed part. The sensing assembly is used for sensing the position of the movable part relative to the fixed part. When the movable part is in a first range, the optical element at least partially overlaps the opening.