Optical Unit Magnetic Stabilization for Camera Shake Correction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional prism modules face challenges in stabilizing the holder due to vibrations or impacts, leading to difficulties in accurately correcting image blur caused by camera shake, as the holder is supported by swing support springs which result in periodic displacement.

Innovation Solution

The optical unit incorporates a movable body with a support body and a swing mechanism, including a magnet and coil, along with a pre-load portion, to stabilize the optical element by allowing it to swing about multiple axes, enhancing correction accuracy and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the holder is supported by swing support springs, then the holder can swing to correct image blur, but the holder vibrates and periodically displaces when vibration or impact is applied, reducing stability and correction accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage correction capabilityVSAvoidholder stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is divided into two independent parts: swing support springs for enabling swing motion and magnetic members for providing stable positioning. The magnet on the holder and magnetic member on the base create magnetic attraction that stabilizes the holder without interfering with the swing mechanism's ability to correct image blur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Magnetic fields are introduced as an intermediary force between the holder and base. The magnetic attraction provides stable support without mechanical contact, eliminating vibration and periodic displacement while maintaining the holder's ability to swing for image correction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the holder is supported by swing support springs, then the holder can swing to correct image blur, but the holder experiences vibration and impact transmission, reducing measurement precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage correction capabilityVSAvoidcorrection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic support system replaces part of the mechanical spring support system. Instead of relying solely on mechanical springs, magnetic attraction is used to provide stable positioning, reducing mechanical vibration and improving correction accuracy while maintaining swing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 improves the accuracy of image stabilization by allowing the optical element to be swung about both pitching and roll axes, effectively reducing image blur and enhancing stability against camera shake.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic member 73 is arranged on the base 60... the magnetic member 73 is arranged on the one side X1 in the first direction X with respect to the second magnet 121

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The swing mechanism includes a swing magnet and a coil opposing the swing magnet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS11789286B2Optical unit

Publication Date: 2023.10.17 NIDEC CORP(JP)

AI summary

An optical unit includes a movable body, a support body, a swing mechanism, and a magnetic member. The movable body includes an optical element. The optical element reflects light, which travels to one side in a first direction, to one side in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The support body supports the movable body so as to be swingable about a swing axis. The swing mechanism swings the movable body about the swing axis. The magnetic member is arranged on the support body. The swing mechanism includes a magnet and a coil. The magnet is arranged at an end of the movable body in a direction intersecting the first direction. The coil opposes the magnet. The magnetic member is arranged on one side in the first direction with respect to the magnet.