Optical Element Positioning Locking Mechanism for Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shake correction apparatuses for cameras consume power even when the shake correction function is not performed, leading to unnecessary power usage and instability in maintaining the position of optical elements like lenses.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a support, a movement unit, a magnet unit, a coil unit, a sensor unit, and a locking unit, where the movement unit is limited by the locking unit when rotated to a predetermined angle, allowing the system to stabilize the optical element's position without continuous power supply, using magnetic forces and sensors to determine the locked state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If power is supplied to the driving device to fix the position of the optical element, then the position stability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two operational states: a locked state where the optical element's position is fixed without power consumption, and an unlocked state where the position can be adjusted. The locking unit transitions between locked and unlocked positions based on whether shake correction is needed, optimizing the balance between stability and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking unit is extracted as a separate functional component from the driving device. This locking unit can independently secure the optical element's position without requiring the driving device to remain powered on, thereby separating the position fixation function from the power-consuming driving mechanism.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the locking unit is added to limit movement of the movement unit, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking unit utilizes magnetic attraction forces between magnets and yokes to achieve mechanical locking, replacing what would traditionally require complex mechanical latch mechanisms or additional actuators. This magnetic field-based approach simplifies the overall structure while maintaining effective position fixation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the movement unit is rotated to a predetermined angle for locking, then position stability is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit provides real-time feedback on the relative position between the movement unit and support by detecting changes in magnetic field strength. This feedback enables the controlling unit to accurately determine when the locking unit has reached the locked position, ensuring precise position detection without requiring complex mechanical position sensors.
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
Minimizes power consumption and ensures the stable maintenance of the optical element's position even when the shake correction function is not needed, without requiring additional elements like motors or switches, and allows for proper operation of the shake correction function.
Implementation Method 1
a coil unit disposed on the other of the group consisting of the support and the movement unit to correspond to the magnet unit for generating a magnetic force for moving the movement unit when an electrical signal is applied
Implementation Method 2
a sensor unit disposed in a position corresponding to the magnet unit for detecting a relative position of the movement unit with respect to the support
Implementation Method 3
The locking unit may include: a magnet disposed on the support so as to be separable from an outside of the movement unit; and a yoke disposed on the movement unit to correspond to the magnet
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for adjusting a position of an optical element is disclosed. The apparatus includes: a support; a movement unit for supporting an optical element and being movable relative to the support; a magnet unit; a coil unit for generating a magnetic force for moving the movement unit when an electrical signal is applied; a sensor unit disposed in a position corresponding to the magnet unit for detecting a relative position of the movement unit with respect to the support; a locking unit for limiting or allowing movement of the movement unit; and a controlling unit connected to the coil unit for controlling the coil unit and determining whether the movement unit is in a state where movement of the movement unit is limited by the locking unit based on a signal output from the sensor unit.