Periscope Optical Element Driving Mechanism for Thin Device Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical element driving mechanisms in electronic devices face challenges in miniaturization and displacement correction, leading to potential blurring of photographs or videos due to device shake, and require improved mechanical strength and optical path adjustment for better recording quality.

Innovation Solution

An optical element driving mechanism with a movable part connected to a fixed part via a driving assembly and supporting assembly, allowing movement in multiple dimensions, incorporating a metal reinforcement assembly for mechanical strength and a sensing assembly for precise movement control, enabling optical zooming, auto-focusing, and image stabilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple optical elements with different focal lengths are provided to improve recording quality and shooting range, then the recording capabilities and viewing angles are improved, but the device thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecording capabilitiesVSAvoiddevice thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a periscope mechanism that changes the direction of the optical path by 90 degrees, allowing the optical elements to be arranged in a depth direction rather than a lateral direction. This dimensional change enables multiple optical elements with different focal lengths to be integrated without increasing the device's lateral thickness, thus maintaining thin profile while providing versatile recording capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Length of stationary object

If the device is made thinner to meet consumer preferences, then the appearance and portability are improved, but the displacement correction capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice thicknessVSAvoiddisplacement correction
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the displacement correction mechanism within the periscope structure by nesting the movable part that carries the optical element inside the fixed periscope housing. The movable part can shift in the optical axis direction to correct displacement caused by device shake, while the entire periscope mechanism remains compact in lateral dimensions. This nested arrangement enables displacement correction functionality without increasing device thickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Length of stationary object

If a periscope mechanism is created to change the optical path direction, then the device thickness is reduced, but the mechanical strength and stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice thicknessVSAvoidmechanical strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite structure where the fixed part and movable part are made of materials with appropriate mechanical properties. The fixed part housing provides structural strength and stability, while the movable part uses materials that allow controlled movement along the optical axis. This composite material approach ensures that the periscope mechanism maintains sufficient mechanical strength despite its compact, thin design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Adaptability or versatility

If the optical element is made movable to enable auto-focusing and zooming, then the functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical functionalityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the movable part to perform multiple optical functions simultaneously. By moving the optical element along the optical axis, the mechanism achieves auto-focusing (by adjusting the focal distance), optical zooming (by changing the effective focal length), and displacement correction (by compensating for shake). This multi-functional design enables diverse optical capabilities through a single movement mechanism, reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate mechanisms for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11880090B2Optical element driving mechanism
Publication Date: 2024.01.23 ACTUTEK CORP
  • US11880090B2 patent drawing
  • US11880090B2 patent drawing
  • US11880090B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An optical element driving mechanism is provided, including a movable part for connecting an optical element; a fixed part, wherein the movable part can move relative to the fixed part; a driving assembly for driving the movable part to move relative to the fixed part; and a supporting assembly, wherein the movable part can move relative to the fixed part in multiple dimensions via the supporting assembly.