Optical Element Driving Mechanism for Long-Focal Imaging in Compact Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of optical elements with long focal lengths in electronic devices increases device thickness, hindering miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
An optical element driving mechanism comprising movable parts and supporting elements, with specific alignments and non-contact configurations, allows for miniaturization while maintaining precise control and improved imaging quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical elements with long focal length are provided in electronic device, then imaging quality is improved, but device thickness is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where the first movable part, second movable part, and third movable part containing optical elements are positioned within the thickness direction of the device. The optical elements are nested along the optical axis with the second optical element located between the first and third optical elements when viewed perpendicular to the optical axis, allowing long focal length optics to be integrated without proportionally increasing device thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional single-plane optical arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration where optical elements are distributed along the thickness direction (Z-axis) rather than only in the lateral plane. The first, second, and third movable parts are positioned at different depths along the optical axis, utilizing the thickness dimension to accommodate long focal length optical paths while maintaining a compact overall device profile.
2Volume of moving object
If multiple movable parts with optical elements are arranged closely, then device miniaturization is achieved, but risk of contact and damage between optical elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces limiting elements as intermediary protective structures between the first movable part and second movable part. The first movable part limiting element and second movable part limiting element are positioned such that they contact each other before the optical elements can come into contact. This intermediary mechanism prevents direct contact between the first optical element and second optical element, reducing the risk of damage while allowing compact arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The limiting elements are designed to provide beforehand cushioning by making contact first during the movement of the movable parts. When the first movable part and second movable part move toward each other, the limiting elements engage in advance to stop further movement, preventing the optical elements from contacting and potentially damaging each other. This prior cushioning mechanism ensures reliable protection while maintaining miniaturization.
3Measurement precision
If optical elements are arranged along optical axis in sequence, then imaging performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by integrating driving mechanisms within the movable parts that can simultaneously control the position of multiple optical elements along the optical axis and in the thickness direction. The first movable part, second movable part, and third movable part each contain both optical elements and integrated driving mechanisms, allowing a single control system to manage the complex arrangement of multiple optical elements, thereby improving imaging performance while managing system complexity through unified control.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical element driving mechanism is provided, including a first movable part, a second movable part, and a third movable part. The first movable part is connected to a first optical element. The second movable part is connected to a second optical element that has an optical axis. The third movable part is connected to a third optical element. The first optical element, the second optical element, and the third optical element are arranged along the optical axis. The second optical element is located between the first optical element and the third optical element when viewed along a direction that is perpendicular to the optical axis.