Optical element driving mechanism

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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 piezoelectric element, elastic members, and guiding members to facilitate movement of the optical element, with shock absorbing elements to protect against impact and reduce noise, and a counterweight to stabilize the movable part.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

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

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the autofocus driving mechanism and optical image stabilization driving mechanism into a single integrated structure. The fixed assembly includes a first driving mechanism for autofocus and a second driving mechanism for optical image stabilization, both sharing common components such as the base, supporting frame, and casing. This merging allows the camera module to perform both functions simultaneously while reducing overall device size and achieving miniaturization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The driving mechanisms are designed with multi-functionality where the same structural components serve multiple purposes. For example, the movable part can be driven by different mechanisms for different functions, and the coupling assembly enables both autofocus movement and stabilization compensation using shared structural elements. This universality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the movable part is designed to move freely for autofocus and stabilization, then the operational flexibility is improved, but the risk of impact damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidimpact damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a shock absorbing element between the movable part and the casing that is configured to cushion impacts before they reach critical components. This shock absorbing element provides beforehand protection by absorbing impact energy during drops or sudden movements, preventing damage to the optical elements and driving mechanisms while allowing the movable part to maintain its operational flexibility for autofocus and stabilization functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If elastic members are used to couple the movable part, then the shock absorption capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshock absorption capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses elastic members with plate-shaped structures that function as flexible coupling elements between the movable part and the fixed assembly. These thin, plate-shaped elastic members provide shock absorption and flexible coupling without requiring complex mechanical structures. The plate-shaped design allows the elastic members to deform elastically under impact while maintaining a simple, compact form factor that does not significantly increase device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 autofocus and optical image stabilization functions while achieving miniaturization and reducing the risk of damage from impacts, thus enhancing the performance and durability of camera modules.

Implementation Method 1

a driving assembly DA configured to drive the movable part 108 to move relative to the fixed assembly FA... a piezoelectric element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

The coupling assembly includes a first elastic member 105 and a second elastic member 106... shock absorbing elements to protect against impact and reduce noise

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12461428B2Optical element driving mechanism

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 ACTUTEK CORP

AI summary

An optical element driving mechanism is provided. The optical element driving mechanism includes a fixed assembly, a movable part, a driving assembly, and a coupling assembly. The movable part is configured to be connected to an optical element. 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. The movable part is movable relative to the fixed assembly by the coupling assembly.