Optical Path Changing Module With Elastic Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity and size of camera modules in portable electronic devices increase due to the need for autofocusing, zooming, and image stabilization functions, which also lead to higher power consumption from the weight and movement requirements of lenses and image sensors.

Innovation Solution

An optical path changing module with a reflective member, rotational holders, and elastic support portions, including shape memory alloy elastic members, allows for light path alteration without direct movement of lenses or image sensors, reducing size and power consumption by using a driver to rotate the holders and absorb external impacts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a lens or image sensor is directly moved for image stabilization, then image stabilization function is achieved, but the weight of moving parts increases and power consumption rises

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage stabilization functionVSAvoidweight of lens or image sensor

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

A reflective member (mirror) is introduced as an intermediary to change the optical path direction. Instead of moving the heavy lens or image sensor, the reflective member redirects light to achieve the same image stabilization effect, significantly reducing the weight of moving parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical movement of heavy optical components with the rotation of a lightweight reflective member. This substitution reduces the mass that needs to be accelerated and controlled, thereby lowering power consumption while maintaining image stabilization functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If various camera functions (autofocusing, zooming, image stabilization) are implemented, then functional versatility is improved, but the structure becomes complicated and size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera functionsVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reflective member serves multiple functions: it enables image stabilization by rotating about a first axis, and it allows optical path changing for different shooting modes (such as wide-angle or telephoto) by rotating about a second axis. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The reflective member is designed to rotate dynamically about two different axes (first axis for image stabilization, second axis for optical path changing). This dynamic capability allows a single component to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate fixed or independently actuated components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Volume of moving object

If a reflective member is rotated to change optical path, then camera module size is reduced, but the structure requires elastic support mechanisms increasing complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera module sizeVSAvoidelastic support structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses elastic support portions with elastic members (such as elastic plates or springs) to connect the first and second rotational holders. These flexible elements provide the necessary support and movement freedom while maintaining a compact structure, allowing the reflective member to rotate about two axes without requiring rigid, complex mounting mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 compact camera modules with reduced power consumption and improved durability by rotating a lightweight reflective member to stabilize images, while minimizing the size and weight of the camera module.

Implementation Method 1

first elastic members connecting the first shaft to the first bracket

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The first elastic member may be formed of a shape memory alloy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory alloy effect: Shape Memory Alloy

Data Source

PatentUS12069370B2Optical path changing module and camera module

Publication Date: 2024.08.20 SAMSUNG ELECTRO MECHANICS CO LTD

AI summary

An optical path changing module includes: a first rotational holder on which a reflective member configured to change a path of light is mounted; a second rotational holder supporting the first rotational holder; and a first elastic support portion disposed between the first rotational holder and the second rotational holder. The first elastic support portion includes: a first shaft disposed along a first rotational axis that is a rotational axis of the first rotational holder, and fastened to either one of the first rotational holder and the second rotational holder; a first bracket fastened to the other one of the first rotational holder and the second rotational holder and accommodating the first shaft therein; and first elastic members connecting the first shaft to the first bracket.