Perimeter Sheet Spring Suspension for Compact Camera Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera systems face challenges in integrating high-resolution, small form factor cameras with efficient optical image stabilization and autofocus mechanisms, particularly in reducing system dimensions and improving modal performance while minimizing stress and acoustic noise.
Innovation Solution
A perimeter sheet spring suspension arrangement is employed, which includes sheet springs attached to the sides of the camera, allowing lateral movement of the lens group and featuring bumper spring tabs for collision prevention and electrostatic charge reduction, thereby enabling a compact design with improved modal performance and reduced stress distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a compact camera form factor is used, then the device size is reduced, but the system height reduction may compromise structural support and stress distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is divided into multiple sheet springs distributed around the perimeter of the camera module. Each sheet spring independently supports a portion of the lens group, distributing the structural support function across multiple segmented elements rather than relying on a single tall support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet springs extend laterally in the horizontal plane rather than vertically, transitioning the support structure from a vertical dimension to a horizontal perimeter arrangement. This allows the camera module to achieve compact height while maintaining structural integrity through lateral support distribution.
2Reliability
If sheet springs are used for suspension, then modal performance is improved, but the complexity of the suspension arrangement increases
Solution Approach 1:
Thin sheet springs are used as the suspension element, utilizing flexible thin film structures to achieve improved modal performance. The sheet springs provide compliant support that enhances vibration characteristics while maintaining a relatively simple overall suspension arrangement.
3Reliability
If bumper spring tabs are added for collision prevention, then reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper spring tabs are integrated directly into the sheet spring structure, merging the collision prevention function with the existing suspension elements. This combination approach provides protection against lateral collisions while avoiding the need for separate bumper components, thus limiting the increase in device complexity.
4Productivity
If the camera module is compacted, then productivity is improved, but stress distribution may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The perimeter sheet spring suspension arrangement segments the stress distribution across multiple lateral support points around the camera module. This segmentation allows the compacted module to maintain adequate stress distribution by transferring loads through multiple distributed spring elements rather than concentrating stress in a single location.
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 solution allows for a reduction in system height, enhanced modal performance, and reduced stress and acoustic noise, enabling effective optical image stabilization and autofocus in a compact camera form factor.
Implementation Method 1
a suspension arrangement comprising a plurality of sheet springs that suspend the moveable platform from the base structure and allow the lens group to move in the one or more directions orthogonal to the optical axis
Implementation Method 2
bumper spring tabs that cushion lateral movement of the moveable platform as the moveable platform approaches a stationary structure of the camera
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments include perimeter sheet spring suspension arrangements for cameras. A perimeter sheet spring suspension arrangement may be used to suspend a moveable platform of the camera from a base structure of the camera, and allow a lens group of the camera to move laterally. According to some embodiments, the perimeter sheet spring suspension arrangement may include one or more tabs that may be used as bumpers that cushion lateral movement of the moveable platform.