Piezoelectric Lens Driving Mechanism Position Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image pickup apparatuses with linear actuators require complex structures, increased space, and high power consumption due to the arrangement of driving coils and magnets, and suffer from inaccuracies in movable block positioning during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A lens driving mechanism utilizing a piezoelectric element as the driving section, with a restriction section and detection section to set the initial position of the movable block based on the inflection point of the detected deformation, allowing for miniaturization and precise position control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a linear actuator with driving coil and magnet is used for the lens driving mechanism, then the movable block can be driven, but the structure becomes complicated and the arrangement space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic linear actuator (driving coil and magnet system) with a piezoelectric element that converts electrical energy directly to mechanical deformation. This substitution eliminates the need for separate driving coils and magnets, thereby simplifying the overall structure while maintaining the driving capability of the movable block.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating principle from electromagnetic force generation to piezoelectric deformation. By utilizing the piezoelectric effect where electrical voltage directly causes dimensional change in the material, the system achieves actuation with fewer components and reduced structural complexity.
2Reliability
If a linear actuator with driving coil is used, then the movable block can be driven, but the power consumption increases due to continuous energization
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric element operates by applying voltage only when position adjustment is needed, rather than continuous energization. The element can be energized periodically to move the movable block to desired positions, and maintains its position without continuous power supply, thereby significantly reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric element inherently maintains its deformed state without requiring continuous energy input. Once the element is actuated to a specific position, it holds that position passively, eliminating the need for continuous power consumption to maintain position, thus achieving energy efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If assembly tolerance variations occur, then manufacturing is easier, but the initial position of the movable block becomes inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a detection section that uses the piezoelectric element's deformation characteristics to detect the actual position of the movable block. This feedback mechanism allows the system to identify and compensate for position deviations caused by assembly tolerances, thereby achieving accurate initial position setting despite variations in manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary position detection and adjustment using the piezoelectric element's deformation feedback before final operation. By detecting the inflection point of deformation and adjusting the initial position accordingly, the system pre-compensates for assembly tolerance variations, ensuring accurate positioning from the start.
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 achieves miniaturization of the lens driving mechanism, simplifies position control, reduces power consumption, and enhances reliability by using a piezoelectric element for precise initial position setting and movable range control without the need for continuous energization.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element deformed when energized for functioning as a driving section for applying driving force to the movable block
Data Source
AI summary
A lens driving mechanism is disclosed which can achieve miniaturization of the mechanism by simplification and enhancement of the reliability in position control of a movable block. The lens driving mechanism includes a piezoelectric element deformed when energized for functioning as a driving section for applying driving force to the movable block, a restriction section for restricting the movement of the movable block in the predetermined direction, and a detection section for detecting a predetermined amount regarding the piezoelectric element. The initial position of the movable block is set as a position at an extremity of the movement of the movable block within a movable range based on an inflection point of the predetermined amount detected by the detection section when the movable block moved by the deformation of the piezoelectric element is restricted by the restriction section.