Camera Actuator Structure for Compact OIS and Magnetic Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera actuators face challenges in ultra-slim and ultra-small designs due to spatial restrictions and magnetic field interference, particularly in high-resolution cameras, which hinder effective optical image stabilization and other functions.

Innovation Solution

A camera actuator design with elastic parts oriented perpendicular to each other and a unique magnetic arrangement minimizes spatial requirements and prevents magnetic interference, allowing for stable optical image stabilization without increasing the camera's size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the number of pixels of the image sensor is increased to improve resolution, then the image quality is improved, but the amount of light received by each pixel decreases causing more severe image shake

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidimage shake
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The camera module is divided into functionally independent sections: the optical image stabilization system (with its own actuator and magnetic field generation unit) and the auto-focusing/zooming system (with separate magnets). This segmentation allows the OIS system to operate independently to counteract image shake without being interfered with by other functions, thereby maintaining high resolution while correcting shake effects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A dedicated magnetic field generation unit and actuator are introduced as intermediary components between the image sensor and the source of magnetic interference. This intermediary structure creates a controlled magnetic environment for OIS operations, enabling precise stabilization while isolating the system from external magnetic disturbances that would otherwise affect high-resolution imaging

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If space is secured around the lens or camera module for tilting or moving to achieve OIS, then the OIS function is improved, but the camera device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical image stabilization functionVSAvoidcamera device size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field generation unit is integrated directly into the actuator structure, merging two previously separate components (magnetic field source and actuator) into a single compact unit. This integration eliminates the need for additional space that would have been required to accommodate separate magnets and actuators, enabling effective OIS while maintaining ultra-slim and ultra-small camera dimensions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the optical path bending member to change the dimensional arrangement of components. By bending the optical path, the system achieves the necessary optical separation and stabilization functionality without requiring increased linear dimensions of the camera module, thus maintaining a compact form factor while enabling effective OIS

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

3Volume of moving object

If magnets for OIS and magnets for AF or zooming are closely disposed to reduce space, then the camera device is compacted, but magnetic field interference occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera module sizeVSAvoidmagnetic field interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field generation unit is extracted and positioned as a separate, dedicated component within the actuator assembly, distinct from the magnets used for auto-focusing and zooming. This extraction creates spatial and functional separation between OIS-related magnetic fields and AF/zooming magnetic fields, preventing interference while maintaining overall compactness through the integrated actuator design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements localized magnetic field control by providing a dedicated magnetic field generation unit specifically for the OIS actuator. This localized approach ensures that magnetic fields are generated only where needed for stabilization, with controlled spatial distribution that prevents interference with other magnetic components, enabling compact multi-functional camera design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Illumination intensity

If the size of the lens is increased to increase light reception for high-resolution cameras, then the light intake is improved, but the space occupied by the actuator for OIS is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight reception amountVSAvoidavailable space for actuator
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field generation unit is merged with the actuator structure, creating a compact integrated assembly that combines magnetic field source and actuation mechanisms. This merging reduces the total space required for the actuator system, allowing larger lens diameters for improved light reception while maintaining sufficient space for OIS functionality in ultra-slim camera designs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 actuator enables precise optical image stabilization with reduced power consumption and no magnetic interference, ensuring sufficient light intake for high-resolution imaging.

Implementation Method 1

a first elastic part and a second elastic part extending in directions perpendicular to each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a driving part including electromagnetic actuators

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP4145817B1Camera actuator and camera device comprising same
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 LG INNOTEK CO LTD
  • EP4145817B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2a
  • EP4145817B1 patent drawingFigure 2b
  • EP4145817B1 patent drawingFigure 3a

AI summary

An embodiment of the present invention discloses a camera actuator including a housing, a mover on which a reflective member is disposed, a guide part disposed between the housing and the mover, and a driving part which drives the mover, wherein the guide part includes a support part, a first elastic part coupled to the support part and the mover, and a second elastic part coupled to the support part and the housing, the first elastic part tilts the mover with respect to a first axis, and the second elastic part tilts the mover with respect to a second axis perpendicular to the first axis.