Piezoelectric Camera Module Actuator for Lens Shake Compensation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera modules in mobile phones face challenges in reducing power consumption and size while effectively compensating for lens shakes caused by user hand movement, which affects image stability.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design featuring a support unit with extended connection units, a lens coupling unit, and piezoelectric driving units that ascend or descend to compensate for lens shakes, manufactured using MEMS technology to minimize size and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional actuator is used to compensate lens shakes, then image stability is improved, but power consumption and device size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage stabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical actuators with a piezoelectric actuator that utilizes piezoelectric effects (electrical-to-mechanical energy conversion) to drive the lens coupling unit. This substitution of mechanical actuation with piezoelectric actuation reduces power consumption while maintaining the ability to compensate for lens shakes and maintain image stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent integrates the piezoelectric actuator within the lens coupling unit structure, where the piezoelectric element is nested between the support unit and the lens coupling unit. This nested configuration allows the actuator to be compact and minimizes its impact on overall device size while still providing effective shake compensation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If a conventional actuator is used to compensate lens shakes, then image stability is improved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage stabilityVSAvoidactuator size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical actuators with a piezoelectric actuator that utilizes piezoelectric effects (electrical-to-mechanical energy conversion) to drive the lens coupling unit. This substitution of mechanical actuation with piezoelectric actuation reduces power consumption while maintaining the ability to compensate for lens shakes and maintain image stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent integrates the piezoelectric actuator within the lens coupling unit structure, where the piezoelectric element is nested between the support unit and the lens coupling unit. This nested configuration allows the actuator to be compact and minimizes its impact on overall device size while still providing effective shake compensation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If multiple lenses are coupled to compensate shakes, then image stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the lens assembly into multiple lens sheets (first lens sheet, second lens sheet, etc.) that are coupled to the lens coupling unit. This segmentation allows each lens sheet to be independently positioned and adjusted by the piezoelectric actuator, enabling effective shake compensation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through modular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lens coupling unit serves multiple functions: it couples multiple lens sheets, provides the interface for the piezoelectric actuator, and acts as the moving element for shake compensation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining image stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 effectively compensates for lens tremors, enables miniaturization of the actuator, and reduces power consumption, enhancing image stability and integration of components.

Implementation Method 1

the driving unit may be a piezoelectric capacitor formed by stacking a bottom electrode, a piezoelectric membrane and an upper electrode to the connection unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9310583B2Camera module

Publication Date: 2016.04.12 LG INNOTEK CO LTD

AI summary

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a support unit, at least two or more connection units extended from the support unit, a lens coupling unit connected to each of the connection units, formed at an inner surface with a window and coupled to at least one or more sheets of lenses, and a piezoelectric driving unit formed at each of the connection units for ascending or descending the connection units and the lens coupling unit.