Optical Module Gimbal Magnet Integration for Radial Downsizing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical modules with image shake correction functions face challenges in downsizing both radially and axially due to the need for separate magnets and coils, as well as the requirement for fulcrum protrusions that occupy space.

Innovation Solution

The optical module employs a gimbal mechanism that supports the movable body rotatably around two axes, with the shake-correction magnet serving as the lens-moving magnet, and the coils and magnets disposed radially outward from the triaxial intersection, eliminating the need for external support members and allowing closer placement of module components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the shake-correction magnet and lens-moving magnet are arranged separately in the radial direction, then the optical module can maintain independent control of shake correction and lens movement, but the radial dimension of the optical module increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent control capabilityVSAvoidradial dimension
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the shake-correction magnet and lens-moving magnet into a single integrated magnet structure. The shake-correction coil and lens-moving coil are positioned to interact with the same magnet, allowing both shake correction and lens movement functions to be achieved through a shared magnetic component, thereby reducing the radial dimension while maintaining functional independence through separate coil control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated magnet structure serves dual purposes: it acts as both the shake-correction magnet for image stabilization and the lens-moving magnet for focus control. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate magnet structures, reducing radial space requirements while maintaining the ability to independently control both functions through their respective coils

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a fulcrum protrusion is provided on the non-subject side to support the movable body, then the movable body can be supported in a movably shiftable manner, but the axial dimension of the optical module increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovable body supportVSAvoidaxial dimension
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the traditional fulcrum protrusion structure from the non-subject side and replaces it with a gimbal mechanism. The gimbal mechanism provides the necessary support and rotational freedom for the movable body without requiring axial space protrusions, thereby reducing the overall axial dimension of the optical module while maintaining reliable movable body support

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from an axial support structure (fulcrum protrusion extending in the optical axis direction) to a radial support structure (gimbal mechanism positioned in the radial direction). This dimensional change allows the support function to be achieved without increasing the axial dimension, as the gimbal mechanism operates in the radial plane perpendicular to the optical axis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If the shake-correction magnet is disposed around the outer periphery of the lens-moving magnet, then the optical module can achieve image stabilization, but the radial dimension increases and prevents further downsizing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage stabilization functionVSAvoidradial dimension
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the shake-correction magnet and lens-moving magnet into a single integrated magnet structure. Both the shake-correction coil and lens-moving coil are positioned to interact with the same magnet, allowing both functions to be achieved through a shared magnetic component, thereby reducing the radial dimension while maintaining functional independence through separate coil control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested arrangement where the shake-correction coil and lens-moving coil are positioned concentrically or in overlapping configurations around the integrated magnet. This nesting allows both coils to interact with the same magnet without requiring separate radial spaces, thereby minimizing the radial dimension while maintaining both image stabilization and lens movement functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

This configuration enables significant downsizing in both radial and axial directions while maintaining effective image stabilization, reducing the space required for displacement and preventing coil and magnet separation.

Implementation Method 1

a shake-correction magnetic drive mechanism that rotates the movable body around the first axis and the second axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

a lens-moving magnetic drive mechanism that moves the lens module in the direction along the optical axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS11409124B2Optical module having image shake correction function
Publication Date: 2022.08.09 SANKYO SEIKI MFG CO LTD
  • US11409124B2 patent drawing
  • US11409124B2 patent drawing
  • US11409124B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A movable unit of an optical module having an image shake correction function is supported by a gimbal mechanism so as to be rotatable around a first axis R1 and a second axis R2. The movable body is driven by a shake-correction magnetic drive mechanism including magnets and fixed to the movable body. The movable body further includes a lens-moving magnetic drive mechanism to move a lens module in an optical axis direction. The lens-moving magnetic drive mechanism includes a lens-moving coil fixed to the lens module 7 and a lens-moving magnet disposed radially outward of the lens-moving coil. The magnets and also serve as the lens-moving magnet and are disposed radially outward of a triaxial intersection.