Optical Module Layout for Compact Tilt and Motion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical modules occupy a large volume in at least two dimensions, hindering the miniaturization of electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets.
Innovation Solution
An optical module design featuring an immovable part and a movable part connected via a connecting unit, with a driving unit generating electromagnetic force to enable movement and tilting, reducing overall size by arranging connecting elements in a parallel configuration along a main axis and utilizing a magnetically-permeable element to enhance driving force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional optical module structures are used, then optical functionality is maintained, but volume in at least two dimensions becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the movable part containing the optical assembly inside the immovable part housing. The movable part with optical components is positioned within the larger immovable structure, allowing compact integration while maintaining optical functionality. This nested arrangement reduces the overall volume occupied by the optical module in at least two dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration by introducing vertical stacking of components. The immovable part and movable part are arranged in different spatial layers along the vertical dimension, with the movable part positioned above or within the immovable part structure. This dimensional reorganization reduces the footprint area while maintaining optical performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the movable part is made movable relative to the immovable part, then optical functions are enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical module into distinct functional segments: an immovable part containing the housing and driving unit, and a movable part containing the optical assembly. The connecting unit is further segmented into multiple connecting elements that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall assembly process and reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting unit is designed with multi-functional connecting elements that serve multiple purposes: providing mechanical connection between movable and immovable parts, enabling degree of freedom movement, providing positioning constraints, and facilitating assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining optical adaptability.
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 design achieves miniaturization of optical modules by reducing size in two dimensions while maintaining functionality, allowing stable movement and tilting of the movable part relative to the immovable part, thus enhancing the compactness of electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
The driving unit generates an electromagnetic driving force for driving the movable part to move relative to the immovable part
Implementation Method 2
The magnetically-permeable element increases the electromagnetic driving force
Data Source
AI summary
An optical module is provided. The optical module includes an immovable part, a movable part, and a connecting unit. The movable part is movable relative to the immovable part. The movable part is connected to an optical assembly. The movable part is movably connected to the immovable part via the connecting unit.