Perisopic Camera Module Arc Rail Friction Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Periscopic lenses in mobile devices experience unsatisfactory optical stabilization due to friction resistance during the rotation of light deflection elements, affecting image quality and zoom performance.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design featuring a light deflection element fixed to a mounting base that rotates along an arc rail, minimizing friction through an electromagnetic driving mechanism, and a compact periscopic lens configuration with a decoration member to reduce overall thickness and enhance aesthetic appeal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a motor is used to drive the light deflection element to rotate for optical stabilization, then optical stabilization function is achieved, but friction resistance significantly affects the rotation and deteriorates optical stabilization performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical stabilization performanceVSAvoidfriction resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional motor-driven mechanical rotation system with an optical path adjustment system. Instead of rotating the light deflection element (prism) mechanically, the system adjusts the position of the image sensor or uses electronic image stabilization to achieve the same optical stabilization effect, thereby eliminating friction resistance from mechanical rotation.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (such as a movable platform or adjustable mount) that allows the light deflection element to be positioned and oriented without direct mechanical rotation. This intermediary structure enables precise angular adjustment while minimizing direct friction contact between rotating parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If a periscopic lens configuration is adopted to achieve 3x optical zoom, then image quality is improved, but the device thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoiddevice thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a traditional linear optical path to a folded periscopic optical path that utilizes vertical space instead of horizontal space. By folding the optical path at 45-degree angles using prisms or mirrors, the system achieves the same zoom capability within a reduced thickness profile, effectively moving the optical expansion from one dimension to another.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a compact nested arrangement where the light deflection element is integrated within the mounting base, and the optical components are arranged in a space-efficient configuration. The periscopic lens system is nested within the device housing, with each component optimally positioned to minimize overall thickness while maintaining optical performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If the light deflection element is rotated through a motor for optical stabilization, then stabilization function is achieved, but the friction affects the rotation and leads to unsatisfying performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical stabilization functionVSAvoidoptical stabilization performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the motor-driven mechanical rotation system with an optical path adjustment system. Instead of rotating the light deflection element (prism) mechanically, the system adjusts the position of the image sensor or uses electronic image stabilization to achieve the same optical stabilization effect, thereby eliminating friction resistance from mechanical rotation.

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

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 improves optical stabilization performance and image quality by reducing friction during light deflection, while maintaining a compact and aesthetically pleasing device design.

Implementation Method 1

a light deflection element (22), fixed to the mounting base (23), configured to deflect an incident light entering through the light inlet (211)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The driving device (28) has an arc rail (281), and is configured to drive the mounting base (23) to rotate around a central axis (282) of the arc rail (281) along the arc rail (281)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic driving: Electromagnetic Propulsion

Data Source

PatentEP3581979B1Camera module, camera assembly and electronic device
Publication Date: 2022.08.03 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP3581979B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3581979B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3581979B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A camera module, a camera assembly and an electronic device are provided. The camera module includes a casing, a mounting base, a light deflection element, an image sensor and a driving device. The casing has a light inlet. The mounting base is disposed in the casing. The light deflection element is fixed to the mounting base, and configured to deflect an incident light entering through the light inlet. The image sensor is arranged in the casing and configured to sense the defected incident light. The driving device has an arc rail, and is configured to drive the mounting base to rotate around a central axis of the arc rail along the arc rail.