Optical Unit Shake Correction Frame Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical units with shake correction functions face challenges in reducing their size due to the limitations in minimizing the thickness and size of components like coils and magnets, which hinders further reduction in the device's size perpendicular to the optical axis.
Innovation Solution
The optical unit design includes a movable frame with supporting point parts and connecting parts that allow the shake correction drive mechanism to be positioned on the inner side, utilizing space efficiently by placing the supporting point parts on the outer peripheral side and the connecting parts through the inner side of the wall parts, enabling the coils and magnets to be wider and reducing the overall device size without compromising the support function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the size and thickness of coils and magnets are reduced to make the optical unit thinner, then the thickness of the optical unit in the direction intersecting the optical axis is reduced, but the size reduction is limited and further reduction becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention repositions the support mechanism from occupying radial space (surrounding the optical module) to utilizing axial space (above and below the optical module). The movable frame extends in the optical axis direction with supporting point parts at its ends, allowing the support mechanism to be arranged in the thickness direction rather than the radial direction, thereby enabling further thinning of the optical unit without compromising structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The support mechanism is designed with a movable frame that can flexibly adjust its position and orientation. The frame includes connecting parts that allow relative movement between the supporting point parts, enabling the mechanism to adapt to space constraints while maintaining support functionality. This dynamic design allows the mechanism to function effectively in a thinner configuration.
2Length of moving object
If the size of coils and magnets is reduced, then the thickness of the optical unit is reduced, but the support function may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support mechanism transitions from a radial arrangement to an axial arrangement, with the movable frame extending in the optical axis direction. This dimensional change allows the support mechanism to maintain adequate support span and structural integrity while reducing the radial footprint, thereby preserving support function while enabling thickness reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable frame is designed as a flexible structure that can bend and deform elastically. This flexibility allows the frame to provide effective support while occupying minimal space, maintaining support reliability in a thin configuration. The frame's ability to flex ensures it can accommodate the reduced dimensions without compromising its load-bearing capability.
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 design effectively reduces the size of the optical unit while maintaining the shake correction functionality, allowing for a thinner profile and avoiding the loss of support due to reduced dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
The support mechanism includes two first swing support parts separated from each other in a first axial line direction intersecting an optical axis direction between the movable body and the fixed body, two second swing support parts separated from each other in a second axial line direction intersecting the optical axis direction and the first axial line direction, and a frame-shaped gimbal spring whose four corners are supported by the two first swing support parts and the two second swing support parts.
Implementation Method 2
The movable body includes an optical module having a lens and the like, a holder which holds the optical module, and coils held by the holder on an outer peripheral side of the optical module. The fixed body includes an outer case which covers the movable body and magnets held by an inner face of a body part of the outer case, and the magnets are located on an outer peripheral side of the coils.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical unit may include a movable body holding an optical module by a holder, a fixed body having a body part surrounding the movable body, a support mechanism swingably supporting the movable body, and a shake correction drive mechanism that swings the movable body. The holder includes a plurality of wall parts on an outer periphery of the optical module, and the wall part holds a part of the shake correction drive mechanism, and the support mechanism includes a movable frame surrounding the optical module and a plurality of swing support parts supporting the movable frame. The movable frame includes supporting point parts contacting the swing support parts, and connecting parts connecting supporting point parts adjacent to each other. The supporting point parts are located on an outer periphery of wall parts, and the connecting parts are disposed so as to pass on inner sides of the wall parts.