Optical Module Magnetic Linkage for Compact Stable Motion

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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

The optical module design includes an immovable part and a movable part connected via a connecting unit with a driving unit, allowing the movable part to tilt and rotate, reducing overall size by arranging connecting assemblies along a main axis and using magnetic coils and sensing elements for precise movement control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If traditional optical module designs are used, then optical functionality is achieved, but the module occupies large volume in at least two dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical module volumeVSAvoidmovement stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The optical module is divided into immovable and movable parts, with the optical assembly mounted on a movable part that can be driven to move or tilt relative to the immovable part. This segmentation allows the optical functionality to be maintained while reducing the overall volume occupied by the module in at least two dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting unit employs a multi-dimensional arrangement where connecting assemblies are positioned at different heights along the main axis direction. This vertical stacking approach reduces the horizontal footprint of the optical module while maintaining structural stability and optical performance.

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

2Volume of moving object

If the movable part is made smaller to reduce module size, then volume is reduced, but movement control precision may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovable part volumeVSAvoidmovement control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical connection structures with a magnetic connection system. Magnetic coils and magnetic elements are used to achieve precise control of the movable part's movement and tilting without direct mechanical contact, thereby maintaining high precision while reducing the size of the movable part.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs magnetic fields and electromagnetic forces to control the position and orientation of the movable part. By adjusting electrical parameters (current, voltage, frequency) to the magnetic coils, precise control over the movement and tilting angles is achieved, maintaining measurement precision despite reduced physical dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If connecting assemblies are arranged along the main axis to reduce footprint, then area is reduced, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule footprint areaVSAvoidconnecting unit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting unit is designed as an integrated structure that simultaneously performs multiple functions: mechanical support, magnetic field generation, and positional control. By combining these functions into a single multi-functional component, the overall structural complexity is managed while achieving compact arrangement along the main axis.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the connecting assemblies and magnetic components into an integrated unit that operates along the main axis. This consolidation reduces the horizontal footprint area while the modular design of the integrated unit keeps the structural complexity manageable through standardized interfaces and configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design achieves miniaturization of the optical module by reducing its size in two dimensions while ensuring stable and controlled movement of the optical assembly, enhancing the integration of optical components in electronic devices.

Implementation Method 1

a driving unit, where the driving unit includes a magnetic coil and a magnetic element corresponding to the magnetic coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS20240295730A1Optical module
Publication Date: 2024.09.05 ACTUTEK CORP
  • US20240295730A1 patent drawing
  • US20240295730A1 patent drawing
  • US20240295730A1 patent drawing

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 within a movement range. The movable part is connected to an optical assembly. The movable part is movably connected to the immovable part via the connecting unit.