Periscope Prism Angle Correction via Shape Memory Alloy Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing periscope lens modules in mobile devices face challenges with external electromagnetic interference and increased weight and cost due to the use of electromagnetic drive devices for automatic anti-shake functions.

Innovation Solution

A prism apparatus utilizing shape memory alloy wires and a restoring device with elastic members to drive and rotate the prism, replacing traditional electromagnetic drives, allowing for automatic angle correction and reduced manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electromagnetic drive devices are used to control prism rotation for automatic anti-shake function, then the anti-shake function is achieved, but the weight and cost of the lens module increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic anti-shake functionVSAvoidweight of lens module
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electromagnetic drive device with a mechanical drive device consisting of a driving member (cam mechanism) and a driven member (prism). The cam mechanism converts rotational motion of the driving shaft into reciprocating motion of the driven shaft, which rotates the prism. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for heavy magnets and coils, significantly reducing the weight of the lens module while maintaining the automatic anti-shake function.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the electromagnetic components (magnets and coils) from the lens module by using a purely mechanical drive system. The electromagnetic drive device is completely replaced by a mechanical linkage system comprising the driving member, driven member, and supporting structure, thereby eliminating the source of weight increase and cost escalation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If electromagnetic drive devices are used to control prism rotation for automatic anti-shake function, then the anti-shake function is achieved, but the cost of the lens module increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic anti-shake functionVSAvoidcost of lens module
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive electromagnetic components with simpler mechanical elements such as cams, shafts, and linkages. These mechanical components are easier to manufacture and assemble, reducing production costs while achieving the same automatic anti-shake function through mechanical motion transmission.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses simple, inexpensive mechanical components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if necessary. The cam mechanism and supporting members are designed as straightforward mechanical parts rather than complex electromagnetic assemblies, making the overall lens module more cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Manufacturing precision

If electromagnetic drive devices are used to control prism rotation, then the prism angle can be corrected, but the device becomes susceptible to electromagnetic interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprism angle correctionVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electromagnetic drive system with a mechanical drive system that uses physical contact and motion transmission through cams and shafts. This mechanical system is inherently immune to electromagnetic interference while maintaining the precision required for prism angle correction through carefully designed mechanical linkages.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent completely removes electromagnetic components from the drive mechanism, extracting the source of electromagnetic interference susceptibility. The prism angle correction is achieved purely through mechanical motion control, eliminating any vulnerability to electromagnetic fields.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If magnets are used in the electromagnetic drive device, then the anti-shake function is achieved, but the overall weight of the lens module increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-shake functionVSAvoidweight of lens module
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the electromagnetic drive device containing heavy magnets with a lightweight mechanical drive system. The cam mechanism and supporting members are designed to be compact and lightweight, achieving the anti-shake function through mechanical motion without the weight penalty of magnetic components.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes all magnetic components from the lens module by using a purely mechanical drive system. This eliminates the source of excessive weight while preserving the anti-shake functionality through mechanical means.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 provides a wider imaging angle and better imaging effects while reducing production costs by eliminating the need for heavy and costly electromagnetic components.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of shape memory alloy wires connected between the supporting member and the bearing frame and configured to drive the supporting member to rotate with respect to the bearing frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShape memory alloy: Shape Memory Alloy

Implementation Method 2

the restoring device includes an elastic member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11536944B2Prism apparatus applied to periscope lens module and periscope lens module
Publication Date: 2022.12.27 AAC OPTICS SOLUTIONS PTE LTD
  • US11536944B2 patent drawing
  • US11536944B2 patent drawing
  • US11536944B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided are a prism apparatus applied to a periscope lens module and a periscope lens module. The prism apparatus includes a bearing frame, a supporting member, a prism installed, shape memory alloy wires connected between the supporting member and the bearing frame and configured to drive the supporting member to rotate with respect to the bearing frame, and a restoring device connected between the supporting member and the bearing frame and configured to restore the supporting member. In the present invention, the shape memory alloy wires are used to drive the supporting member and the prism, such that the prism can automatically correct the angle, thereby improving the imaging quality. Moreover, the original electromagnetic drive is replaced with the shape memory alloy wires, which reduces a manufacturing cost of the prism apparatus applied to the periscope lens module, thereby achieving a mass production of the periscope lens module.