Optical Unit Shake Correction Stopper Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical units for cameras, such as those in cell phones, face issues with plastic deformation of spring members when subjected to external impacts, leading to malfunction in shake correction mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a stopper mechanism between the spring member and the swing center of the movable body in the optical unit to limit the movable range of the body in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, preventing excessive displacement and thus preventing plastic deformation of the spring member.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the movable body is swingably supported by the spring member to enable shake correction, then the shake correction function is improved, but the spring member may be plastically deformed when the movable body is displaced in a direction intersecting the optical axis due to external impact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshake correction functionVSAvoidspring member deformation resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The stopper mechanism is pre-installed between the spring member and the swing center to establish a movable range limit before any impact occurs. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that when external impact displaces the movable body, the stopper mechanism activates to prevent excessive displacement of the spring member, thereby avoiding plastic deformation while maintaining the shake correction function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the movable range of the movable body is set narrow to prevent spring member deformation, then the reliability is improved, but the shake correction performance may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespring member deformation preventionVSAvoidshake correction performance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The stopper mechanism is strategically positioned at specific locations between the spring member and the swing center to define localized movable ranges in directions perpendicular to the optical axis. This local constraint approach allows the movable body to swing freely within appropriate boundaries for shake correction while preventing excessive displacement that would cause spring member deformation, thus balancing both reliability and performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Volume of moving object

If the movable range is set narrow to reduce the size of the optical unit, then the compactness is improved, but the stability during swing operation may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical unit sizeVSAvoidswing operation stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The stopper mechanism is pre-configured to establish optimal movable ranges that balance compactness and stability. By defining these ranges in advance through the stopper's positional arrangement, the system achieves a narrow yet stable movable range that prevents spring member deformation while maintaining sufficient swing freedom for stable shake correction operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The stopper mechanism effectively reduces the risk of spring member deformation, ensuring proper operation and allowing for a more compact design by setting a narrow movable range, thereby enhancing the optical unit's stability and reducing its size.

Implementation Method 1

a spring member which is connected with the movable body and the fixed body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a stopper mechanism which is provided between the spring member and a swing center of the movable body in an optical axis direction for determining a movable range of the movable body in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS9151964B2Optical unit with shake correcting function

Publication Date: 2015.10.06 SANKYO SEIKI MFG CO LTD

AI summary

An optical unit with a shake correcting function may include a movable body configured to hold an optical element; a fixed body which covers at least a side face part of the movable body; a spring member which is connected with the movable body and the fixed body; a shake correction drive mechanism configured to generate a drive force for swinging the movable body with respect to the fixed body; and a stopper mechanism which is provided between the spring member and a swing center of the movable body in an optical axis direction, and configured to determine a movable range of the movable body in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.