Piezoelectric Prism Actuator for Multi-Axis Camera Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera modules face issues such as frictional torque, decentering, tilting, and vibration due to mechanical movement, which affect optical properties, auto focus, and zoom functions, and image stabilization is inadequate in correcting small vibrations and maintaining alignment.

Innovation Solution

A camera actuator with a prism part and a driving part using piezoelectric elements to tilt the prism in multiple axes, minimizing friction and precisely controlling lens movements for improved optical properties and vibration correction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a zoom actuator is used for zooming function, then zooming capability is improved, but frictional torque increases causing reduction in driving force and increase in power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvezooming capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical contact-based zoom actuator with a magnetic drive system that uses magnetic fields to move the lens group. This eliminates direct mechanical contact between moving parts, thereby eliminating frictional torque while maintaining zooming capability. The magnetic drive system achieves lens movement through magnetic attraction and repulsion forces without physical contact, solving the power consumption issue caused by friction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical movement is used for lens adjustment, then zoom and focus functions are achieved, but decentering and tilting occur affecting optical properties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens adjustment capabilityVSAvoidlens alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical contact-based lens adjustment mechanisms with a magnetic drive system that provides contactless actuation. This eliminates mechanical play, wear, and friction that cause decentering and tilting. The magnetic fields can be precisely controlled to move the lens group along the optical axis without introducing lateral displacement or angular deviation, thereby maintaining optical properties during zoom and focus operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Force

If spacing is increased to reduce friction torque, then friction resistance decreases, but lens decentering and tilting intensify at reversal time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefriction torqueVSAvoidlens alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need to increase spacing to reduce friction by replacing the mechanical contact system with a magnetic drive system. Since there is no physical contact, friction torque is eliminated regardless of spacing. The magnetic fields provide precise control over the lens group's position and orientation, preventing decentering and tilting even during reversal movements without requiring increased clearance.

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 camera actuator effectively controls hand-shake vibrations, enhances optical properties, and improves auto focus and zoom functions by minimizing friction and maintaining lens alignment, providing precise tilting and stabilization with low power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a first piezoelectric element disposed in a region overlapping in a first direction with respect to a center of the prism part; and a second piezoelectric element disposed in a region overlapping in a second direction different from the first direction with respect to the center of the prism part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12523917B2Camera actuator

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 LG INNOTEK CO LTD

AI summary

A camera actuator according to an embodiment includes a housing; a prism part disposed in the housing; and a driving part disposed in the housing and tilting the prism part; wherein the driving part includes: a first piezoelectric element disposed in a region overlapping in a first direction with respect to a center of the prism part; and a second piezoelectric element disposed in a region overlapping in a second direction different from the first direction with respect to the center of the prism part, wherein the prism part is provided to be tiltable in the second direction by the first piezoelectric element, and is provided to be tiltable in the first direction by the second piezoelectric element.