Optical Element Driving Mechanism Without Springs for Precise Motion

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical element driving mechanisms in electronic devices face challenges in precise control of movement and require elastic elements like springs, which increase complexity and cost.

Innovation Solution

An optical element driving mechanism that utilizes a movable part connected to a fixed assembly with cooperative first and second driving assemblies, guided by a guiding assembly without elastic elements, using electromagnetic forces to achieve precise movement along multiple axes, eliminating the need for physical springs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If elastic elements like springs are used in optical element driving mechanisms, then the mechanism can achieve movement and positioning, but the complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement control precisionVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes elastic elements (springs) from the driving mechanism entirely. The movable part is directly driven by electromagnetic driving assemblies without any elastic components, extracting the problematic element that caused complexity while maintaining movement capability through direct electromagnetic actuation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical spring-based elastic element system with an electromagnetic driving system. The electromagnetic driving assemblies generate electromagnetic forces to directly drive the movable part, substituting mechanical elasticity with electromagnetic actuation to reduce structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If elastic elements like springs are used in optical element driving mechanisms, then the mechanism can achieve movement and positioning, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement control precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes elastic elements (springs) from the driving mechanism entirely. The movable part is directly driven by electromagnetic driving assemblies without any elastic components, extracting the problematic element that caused complexity while maintaining movement capability through direct electromagnetic actuation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical spring-based elastic element system with an electromagnetic driving system. The electromagnetic driving assemblies generate electromagnetic forces to directly drive the movable part, substituting mechanical elasticity with electromagnetic actuation to reduce structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If electromagnetic driving forces are used to substitute physical springs, then movement distance increases and cost reduces, but precise control of movement becomes more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidmovement control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the driving function into multiple electromagnetic driving assemblies (first driving assembly and second driving assembly) that can independently control movement in different directions along the optical axis. This segmentation allows precise control of the movable part's position by coordinating the two driving assemblies, overcoming the challenge of controlling electromagnetic-driven movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a guiding assembly that guides the movable part to move along a predetermined first axis, providing mechanical constraints and feedback to ensure precise positioning. The guiding structure works in conjunction with the electromagnetic driving assemblies to maintain control precision while using electromagnetic forces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables increased movement distance and reduced cost by leveraging electromagnetic driving forces as a substitute for physical springs, ensuring stable and precise positioning of optical elements.

Implementation Method 1

The first driving assembly and the second driving assembly are configured to drive the movable part to move within an extreme motion range relative to the fixed assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS12504598B2Optical element driving mechanism

Publication Date: 2025.12.23 ACTUTEK CORP

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an optical element driving mechanism, which includes a movable part, a fixed assembly, a first driving assembly and a guiding assembly. The movable part is configured to be connected to an optical element. The fixed assembly has an accommodating space, and the movable part is partially disposed in the accommodating space and is movable relative to the fixed assembly. The first driving assembly is configured to drive the movable part to move relative to the fixed assembly. The guiding assembly is configured to guide the movable part to move along a first axis relative to the fixed assembly. There is no elastic element disposed between the movable part and the fixed assembly.