Optical Unit Shake Correction Spacer Mechanism
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical units with shake correction functions face challenges in preventing impact transmission to image pickup elements while maintaining a compact size, as excessive swing of the optical module can cause deformation in the gimbal mechanism and potential malfunction, and the use of stoppers to restrict movement can increase device size, especially with larger image pickup elements.
Innovation Solution
An optical unit with a shake correction function that incorporates a spacer member with a stopper protruded part fixed to a member different from the optical module, which abuts with a stopper member to restrict movement without directly transmitting impact forces to the optical module, allowing the spacer member to be positioned closer to the optical module for reduced size and protecting it from impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a stopper mechanism is provided close to the image pickup element to restrict movement, then the device size is reduced, but impact forces are transmitted to the image pickup element causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a stopper protruded part as an intermediary element that is positioned close to the image pickup element but is fixed to a different member (the holder) rather than being directly adjacent to the image pickup element. This intermediary structure allows the stopper to restrict movement of the optical module while preventing direct impact transmission to the image pickup element, as the force is absorbed and distributed through the holder structure instead.
2Volume of moving object
If the stopper protruded part is provided close to the optical module, then the device size is reduced, but the movable range of the stopper becomes large during swinging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the stopper protruded part in a specific spatial relationship by fixing it to the holder rather than directly to the optical module. This dimensional repositioning allows the stopper to maintain a compact overall device size while its movement during swinging is constrained by its attachment point on the holder, reducing the excessive movable range that would occur if it were directly attached to the oscillating optical module.
3Reliability
If the optical module is swung excessively to correct shake, then the shake correction function is improved, but deformation occurs in the gimbal mechanism causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper protruded part provides preliminary anti-action by establishing a physical limit to the swing range of the optical module before excessive movement can occur. By restricting the maximum angular displacement of the optical module during shake correction operation, the stopper prevents the gimbal mechanism from undergoing deformation that would lead to malfunction, while still allowing sufficient swing range for effective shake correction.
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
Effectively restricts movement in the optical axis direction during impacts, prevents transmission of forces to the image pickup element, and reduces the overall size of the device by allowing the spacer member to be positioned near the optical module without affecting the image pickup element, enhancing protection and durability.
Implementation Method 1
The shake correction drive mechanism includes a magnet and a coil and, it is structured that an electro-magnetic force is acted on the optical module to drive by supplying an electric current to the coil in a magnetic field of the magnet.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical unit with a shake correction function may include an optical module having an optical element and an image pickup element, a movable body holding the optical module, a swing support mechanism swingably supporting the movable body, a fixed body supporting the movable body through the swing support mechanism, a shake correction drive mechanism structured to swing the movable body, and a stopper mechanism structured to restrict a movable range of the movable body. The stopper mechanism may include a spacer member in the movable body which includes a stopper protruded part extended to an opposite side to an object to be photographed with respect to the image pickup element, and a stopper member to abut with the stopper protruded part of the spacer member. The spacer member may be fixed to a member different from the optical module in the movable body.