Optical Module Stop Structure for Actuator Deflection Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compact cameras, such as those in smartphones and tablets, face challenges in achieving high resolution and image quality while being miniaturized, and existing autofocus and optical image stabilization mechanisms often require physical movement of lens components, limiting their compactness and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An optical module with a deformable membrane and actuator system, including a piezoelectric actuator and stop structure, allows for adjustable optical functionalities like autofocus and optical image stabilization without physical lens movement, using a fluid-filled cavity and MEMS technology to alter the lens shape in response to voltage changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If physical lens movement mechanisms are used for autofocus and optical image stabilization, then optical functionalities can be achieved, but device size increases and compactness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical lens movement systems with a deformable membrane actuated by a piezoelectric actuator. The piezoelectric actuator causes the deformable membrane to change shape, thereby altering the optical path and achieving autofocus and optical image stabilization without physical lens movement, thus maintaining compact device size while providing full optical functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the shape parameter of the deformable membrane through piezoelectric actuation to achieve different optical states. By controlling the degree of membrane deformation, the system can adjust focus and compensate for image stabilization without requiring mechanical displacement of lens components, resolving the contradiction between optical adaptability and device compactness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the actuator member deflects beyond threshold, then optical adjustment range increases, but manufacturing precision and calibration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stop structure is pre-configured during manufacturing to define a predetermined threshold deflection position for the actuator member. This preliminary structural constraint ensures that the actuator member cannot deflect beyond the calibrated threshold, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while still providing sufficient optical adjustment range for autofocus and optical image stabilization functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop structure introduces a localized constraint at a specific position in the actuator's deflection path. This local quality change creates a hard stop that prevents excessive deflection without affecting the overall optical adjustment range needed for normal operation, thus maintaining both calibration precision and functional adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If no stop structure is used, then optical adjustment flexibility increases, but production accuracy and calibration consistency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The stop structure is integrated into the device housing during the manufacturing process, establishing a predetermined mechanical limit for actuator deflection before the device is assembled and calibrated. This preliminary action ensures that all devices of the same model have consistent operational boundaries, improving production accuracy and calibration consistency while maintaining sufficient optical adjustment flexibility for normal use.
4Manufacturing precision
If the stop structure defines an aperture stop, then light control is improved, but light transmission is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The stop structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a mechanical stop to limit actuator deflection and as an aperture stop to control light transmission. By integrating these two functions into a single structural element, the patent achieves precise light control for improved image quality while minimizing the reduction in overall light transmission, as the aperture opening is sized to balance control precision with sufficient light intake.
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 solution enhances the optical module's production accuracy, increases its useful diopter range, and enables a more compact design by providing adjustable optical functionalities without the need for physical lens movement, thereby improving image quality and resolution in compact camera systems.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator member may include a piezoelectric material that deflects in response to an applied voltage
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments disclosed herein include an optical module. The optical module may include a deformable lens and an actuator configured to be deflectable to cause a change in the shape of the deformable lens to alter light passing through the optical module. In various examples, the optical module may include a stop structure configured to mechanically stop the actuator from deflecting beyond a threshold deflection in at least one direction. In some cases, the stop structure may be used for calibration purposes. Additionally, or alternatively, the stop structure may be configured to define an aperture stop that limits an amount of light that passes through the optical module. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the stop structure may be configured to hide the actuator when the optical module is viewed in plan.