Optical Unit Swing Member Reference Positioning via Magnetic Field

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical units with shake correction functions, such as those in cellular phones and unmanned helicopters, face challenges in defining the reference position of the swing member without using a plate spring, which is difficult to handle and prone to plastic deformation, especially under external impacts.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using a magnetic member and a magnet in the swing magnetic driving mechanism, where the magnet is moved along the axis line to align the optical axis with the axis line, allowing for the definition of a reference position without a plate spring, and utilizing a cylindrical member made of magnetic material to enhance torque and facilitate magnet movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a plate spring is used to define the reference position of the swing member, then the reference position can be maintained, but the plate spring is difficult to handle and prone to plastic deformation under external impacts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereference position stabilityVSAvoidhandling difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical plate spring system with a magnetic field-based positioning system. A magnet is positioned at a specific location relative to the swing member, creating a magnetic force field that defines the reference position without requiring physical contact or mechanical support structures. This substitution eliminates the handling difficulties and plastic deformation issues associated with plate springs while maintaining reference position stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the swing member and the fixed structure. Instead of directly mechanically supporting the swing member with a plate spring, a magnet positioned in space creates an indirect magnetic interaction that defines the reference position. This intermediary approach allows for easier assembly and reduces mechanical stress on components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If a plate spring is used to support the swing member, then the reference position can be defined, but the plate spring undergoes plastic deformation under external impacts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereference position accuracyVSAvoidresistance to plastic deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical plate spring with a magnetic field-based system that defines the reference position. The magnet creates a magnetic force field that provides precise positioning without the physical constraints and deformation vulnerabilities of a plate spring. This maintains manufacturing precision while eliminating the strength limitations of mechanical springs under external impacts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and interaction mode from mechanical contact (plate spring) to magnetic field interaction. By utilizing magnetic field strength and distribution as the controlling parameter instead of mechanical elasticity, the system achieves precise reference position definition without undergoing plastic deformation under external forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If the magnet is moved along the axis line to align the optical axis with the axis line, then the reference position can be defined without a plate spring, but additional adjustment steps are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the magnetic positioning system so that the magnet's position automatically defines the reference position when the optical axis and axis line are aligned. The magnetic field inherently provides the positioning function without requiring additional adjustment mechanisms or steps, making the system self-adjusting and eliminating time losses associated with manual plate spring positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 approach allows for easy adjustment and fixation of the reference position of the swing member, enhancing the stability and reliability of the shake correction mechanism, even under external forces, without the need for a plate spring, thus improving image clarity.

Implementation Method 1

holding a magnetic member on one of the swing member and the fixed member where the coil being fixed to and at a position that overlaps the magnet when seen in a radial direction orthogonal to the axis line; moving the magnetic member or the magnet in the axis line direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS10634928B2Method for adjusting position of swing member of optical unit with shake correction function and optical unit with shake correction function
Publication Date: 2020.04.28 SANKYO SEIKI MFG CO LTD
  • US10634928B2 patent drawing
  • US10634928B2 patent drawing
  • US10634928B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Regarding an optical unit, a swing driving magnet is held at a holding area of a fixed member in such a manner that the swing driving magnet is movable, and a position-recovering magnetic member is held on a movable unit at a position where the position-recovering magnetic member is able to face the swing driving magnet (Step ST1). Next, a deviated amount between the axis line of the optical unit and the optical axis of an optical module is obtained (Step ST2). Then, the swing driving magnet is moved.