Optical Path Change Module for Compact Camera Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Camera modules in portable electronic devices face challenges in size increase and power consumption due to complex structures required for autofocusing, zoom, and optical image stabilization functions, particularly when directly moving lenses or image sensors for stabilization.

Innovation Solution

An optical path change module with a reflection member and rotating holders that change the light path, allowing for optical image stabilization without direct movement of heavy components, using magnet and coil driving portions and spiral spring members to reduce size and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a lens or image sensor is directly moved to perform optical image stabilization, then image stabilization function is achieved, but the weight of moving components increases and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage stabilization functionVSAvoidweight of lens or image sensor

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

A reflection member (mirror) is introduced as an intermediary to change the optical path. Instead of moving the heavy lens or image sensor, the reflection member redirects light to achieve stabilization, significantly reducing the weight of moving components while maintaining the image stabilization function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical direct-movement system with an optical path change system using reflection. This substitution allows stabilization to be achieved by redirecting light paths rather than physically displacing heavy optical components, thereby reducing power consumption and moving weight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a lens or image sensor is directly moved to perform optical image stabilization, then image stabilization function is achieved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage stabilization functionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The reflection member serves as a mediator that enables stabilization with minimal moving mass. By changing the optical path through reflection rather than moving the entire lens or sensor assembly, the energy required for actuation is significantly reduced

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the energy-intensive mechanical movement of heavy components with a low-energy optical path redirection mechanism, achieving the same stabilization effect with much lower power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex structures are added to implement autofocusing, zoom, and optical image stabilization functions, then functional capabilities are improved, but the size of the camera module increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilitiesVSAvoidsize of camera module

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions (autofocusing, zoom, and optical image stabilization) into a single integrated camera module design. The reflection member and rotation holders serve multiple purposes: they enable optical path changes for stabilization while also supporting the lens assembly for focusing and zoom operations, thereby achieving functional versatility without proportionally increasing size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation holders and reflection members are nested within the camera module housing in a compact arrangement. The first rotation holder containing the reflection member is nested within the second rotation holder that supports the lens, creating a space-efficient configuration that accommodates multiple functions in a minimized volume

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

The solution enables miniaturization of portable electronic devices by reducing the thickness and power consumption while maintaining image stabilization functionality, without increasing device size or power usage.

Implementation Method 1

a reflection member disposed on the first rotation holder, and configured to change a path of light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The first driving portion may include: a first magnet portion disposed on a lower surface of the shaft coupling portion; and a first coil portion facing the first magnet portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS11683571B2Optical path change module and camera module

Publication Date: 2023.06.20 SAMSUNG ELECTRO MECHANICS CO LTD

AI summary

An optical path change module includes: a first rotation holder; a reflection member disposed on the first rotation holder, and configured to change a path of light; a second rotation holder configured to support the first rotation holder; and a module case accommodating the second rotation holder. The first rotation holder is coupled to the second rotation holder, and configured to rotate around a first pivot axis. The second rotation holder is coupled to the module case, and configured to rotate around a second pivot axis intersecting the first pivot axis.