Planar Electrostatic Actuator for Shock-Resistant Miniature Cameras

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for reduced-sized actuators for miniature cameras that can withstand shock and abuse, while also being cost-effective and reliable, as the size reduction of electronic devices necessitates smaller, more delicate components that require enhanced shock resistance.

Innovation Solution

The development of a substantially planar actuator device formed from electrically conductive materials, featuring an outer frame, a fixed frame, a moveable frame, and a motion control flexure with interdigitated teeth, allowing for coplanar, rectilinear movement and enhanced shock resistance through specific deployment and fixation mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the size of miniature cameras is reduced, then the size of electronic devices is reduced, but the shock resistance of the camera components deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize of miniature cameraVSAvoidshock resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator is segmented into multiple functional layers (electrode layer, dielectric layer, movable plate) that can independently handle different mechanical stresses. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing shock resistance in a compact form factor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs flexible dielectric layers and thin film structures that can deform elastically under shock conditions, absorbing impact energy while maintaining the compact size of the actuator. These flexible elements provide shock resistance without requiring additional bulk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Length of moving object

If the size of actuator components is reduced, then the overall device size is reduced, but the reliability and durability of delicate components deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize of actuator componentsVSAvoiddurability of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator utilizes composite material structures combining conductive materials, dielectric materials, and flexible polymers in layered configurations. These composite structures provide enhanced mechanical strength and durability at reduced component sizes, as each material contributes its optimal properties to the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible dielectric layer acts as a pre-configured cushioning element that absorbs shock energy before it can damage the delicate conductive components. This beforehand cushioning protects the fragile elements during manufacturing and operation without requiring larger component dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If traditional voice coil actuators are used, then motion control is achieved, but the device size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion control capabilityVSAvoidactuator size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical voice coil actuation system with an electrostatic actuation mechanism using electrode layers and dielectric films. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components like coils, magnets, and commutators, achieving motion control in a planar, miniaturized structure suitable for compact electronic devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator transitions from a three-dimensional coil structure to a two-dimensional planar configuration with stacked layers. This dimensional change maintains the essential actuation function while dramatically reducing the overall volume and enabling integration into space-constrained applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 provides smaller, shock-resistant actuators suitable for miniature cameras, enhancing their reliability and cost-effectiveness by utilizing advanced fabrication techniques, enabling efficient motion control and alignment of optical elements within the camera.

Implementation Method 1

an actuator incorporating a plurality of interdigitated teeth, a fixed portion of which is attached to the fixed frame and a moving portion of which is attached to the moveable frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic force: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentUS10003282B2Linearly deployed actuators

Publication Date: 2018.06.19 DIGITALPTICS MEMS

AI summary

A method for making an actuator includes forming a substantially planar actuator device of an electrically conductive material, the device incorporating an outer frame, a fixed frame attached to the outer frame, a moveable frame disposed parallel to the fixed frame, a motion control flexure coupling the moveable frame to the outer frame for coplanar, rectilinear movement relative to the outer frame and the fixed frame, and an actuator incorporating a plurality of interdigitated teeth, a fixed portion of which is attached to the fixed frame and a moving portion of which is attached to the moveable frame, moving the moveable frame to a deployed position that is coplanar with, parallel to and spaced at a selected distance apart from the fixed frame and fixing the moveable frame at the deployed position for substantially rectilinear, perpendicular movement relative to the fixed frame.