Optical Reflector Drive Using Groove Guide and Point-Contact Balls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical image stabilization systems for mobile devices, particularly those with zoom lenses, face challenges in optimizing size and precision due to complex structures and increased weight, leading to low space utilization and difficulty in precise control.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus using a guide structure with a rounded shape to support and guide the rotation of an optical-reflector, minimizing the required driving force and enhancing precision through a combination of a support frame with a groove line, a base frame with a guiding groove, and a driving unit that includes an OIS magnet and coil to generate electromagnetic forces, along with point-contact balls for reduced friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional electromagnetic force driving unit is applied directly to the optical-reflector to move it based on two axes, then the optical image stabilization function is achieved, but the structure becomes seriously complicated and the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex two-axis electromagnetic driving unit and replaces it with a simplified single-axis rotation system. The optical-reflector is rotated around a single axis perpendicular to its surface, eliminating the need for complex two-axis positioning mechanisms while still achieving optical image stabilization through the rotation of the reflector angle.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of moving the optical-reflector in two linear axes as in conventional systems, the patent inverts the approach by rotating the reflector around a single perpendicular axis. This changes the degree of freedom from two linear translations to one rotational movement, fundamentally simplifying the driving mechanism.
2Reliability
If a conventional electromagnetic force driving unit is applied directly to the optical-reflector, then the optical image stabilization function is achieved, but the weight of the optical-reflector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the heavy electromagnetic driving components from the optical-reflector assembly and integrates them into the housing. Only the lightweight optical-reflector itself rotates, significantly reducing the moving mass compared to conventional systems where the entire assembly including drivers must be lightweight.
3Reliability
If the optical-reflector is axially coupled to a fixed structure and rotated in a certain direction, then the optical image stabilization is achieved, but the driving power intensity is not functionally proportional to the movement, resulting in intermittent driving and poor precision control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rounded guide structure with a groove that matches the curvature of the optical-reflector's rotation path. This curved guide ensures smooth, continuous rotation with constant contact, eliminating intermittent driving and enabling precise proportional control between driving power and reflector movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The rounded guide acts as an intermediary mechanical element between the driving force and the optical-reflector. It translates the driving force into smooth rotational motion through its curved geometry, ensuring that the driving power is always functionally proportional to the actual movement of the reflector.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a zoom lens is installed to stand on a main board perpendicular to it, then the zoom lens functions properly, but the portable terminal requires additional space equal to the height of the zoom lens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reorients the zoom lens from a vertical installation (perpendicular to the main board) to a horizontal installation (parallel to the main board). This dimensional change allows the zoom lens to function properly while utilizing the lateral space of the terminal instead of consuming vertical space, thereby reducing the overall terminal height.
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 enables precise optical image stabilization with reduced power consumption and simplified assembly, enhancing space utilization and production efficiency while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
a driving unit configured to move the support frame along a path corresponding to the groove line or the guiding groove
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for driving an optical-reflector includes a support frame having a groove line formed therein, an optical-reflector installed at the support frame to change a path of light input through an opening so that the light is put into a lens, a base frame having a guiding groove formed with a shape corresponding to the groove line, and a plurality of balls disposed between the groove line and the guiding groove so that the support frame and the base frame are kept in a spaced state, and a driving unit configured to move the support frame along a path corresponding to the groove line or the guiding groove.