Optical Member Supporting Device for Thin Camera Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera devices in electronic apparatuses, such as smartphones, require a bulky three-layer structure for hand shake correction, leading to increased size due to the need for a straight-advancing mechanism and guide intermediary bodies with spherical connections, which results in bulkiness in the Z direction.
Innovation Solution
An optical member supporting device with a configuration using spherical bodies, first and second holding portions, and yokes with a second magnet, allowing movement in the XY plane and rotation around the Z axis with reduced friction, enabling a thinner form factor by using a coil connected to the holding portion opposed to the magnet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a three-layer structure with straight-advancing mechanism and guide intermediary bodies is used for hand shake correction, then optical member movement and rotation are enabled, but the device becomes bulky in the Z direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated structure. The first and second holding portions are merged into one unified component that simultaneously provides both straight advancement guidance and rotational guidance. The spherical bodies serve dual purposes: guiding linear movement between holding portions and enabling rotation around the optical axis, eliminating the need for separate guide intermediary bodies and reducing Z-direction thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding portions are designed with universal functionality to perform multiple tasks. Each holding portion not only constrains the optical member in one direction but also provides guidance for movement in perpendicular directions through the spherical body connections. This multi-functional design replaces the traditional three-layer structure's specialized components, achieving both X-Y plane movement and Z-axis rotation within a thinner profile.
2Reliability
If traditional three-layer structure with multiple guiding structures is used, then optical hand shake correction is achieved, but friction increases and smoothness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs spherical bodies as the primary contact elements between holding portions. These spherical elements replace traditional point or line contacts with surface-to-surface contact, distributing the load and reducing friction. The spherical geometry enables smooth rolling motion during both straight advancement and rotation, minimizing frictional resistance and improving the smoothness of optical member adjustment while maintaining reliable hand shake correction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a three-layer structure with laminated mechanisms is used, then dual-direction movement is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the guidance function into two independent but integrated holding portions rather than using three separate layers. Each holding portion is responsible for specific guidance tasks (first holding portion for X-direction, second holding portion for Y-direction), but both work together through spherical body connections to enable combined movement in X-Y plane and rotation around Z-axis. This segmentation reduces the number of layers from three to two while maintaining full dual-direction capability.
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
The solution enables smooth movement and rotation of optical components with reduced friction and size, allowing the camera device to be mounted on thin electronic devices like smartphones without the bulkiness associated with traditional three-layer structures.
Implementation Method 1
spherical bodies; a first holding portion and a second holding portion for holding an optical member on one of the first holding portion and the second holding portion, each extending in an X-Y direction and opposed in a Z direction with the spherical body interposed therebetween
Implementation Method 2
the second holding portion includes a second magnet, and the first yokes and the second yokes are opposed to the second magnet in the Z direction
Data Source
AI summary
An optical member supporting device is described that includes, in an XYZ rectangular coordinate system, spherical bodies, a first holding portion and a second holding portion, an optical member held by the first holding portion or the second holding portion, first yokes protruding from the first holding portion facing the second holding portion, and second yokes protruding from the second holding portion facing the first holding portion and opposed to the first yokes in a predetermined direction in the X-Y direction. The first holding portion and second holding portion extend in an X-Y direction and are opposed in a Z direction with the spherical body interposed therebetween. The second holding portion includes a second magnet and the first yokes and the second yokes are opposed to the second magnet in the Z direction.