Pop-Out Camera Open Spring Layout for Compact Lens Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pop-out cameras (POCs) in mobile devices face challenges with large spring diameters causing significant 'penalty' and magnetic spring actuation that is not optimized for focusing, limiting the compactness and performance of the camera module.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of compact open springs with minimized penalty and magnetic spring actuation using multiple permanent magnets for independent forces to move the lens barrel, allowing for a more compact and efficient pop-out camera mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional closed springs are used in pop-out cameras, then the spring can provide the necessary force to move the lens barrel, but the spring diameter causes significant penalty that increases the overall module size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using an open spring structure instead of a traditional closed spring. The open spring has a significantly reduced diameter while maintaining the necessary force output, thereby reducing the penalty and overall module size. The flexible thin film-like structure of the open spring allows it to provide adequate force with minimal spatial footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a closed circular spring geometry to an open spring geometry that utilizes dimensional optimization. The open spring is designed with specific dimensional characteristics (length, width, thickness) that allow it to provide necessary force while minimizing the diameter penalty, effectively changing the dimensional approach to spring design.
2Ease of operation
If magnetic spring actuation is used, then the lens barrel can be moved, but the actuation is not optimized for focusing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the actuation function into two independent magnetic systems: one for pop-out movement and another for focusing. Multiple permanent magnets are positioned to create distinct magnetic fields that can independently control the lens barrel's axial movement (pop-out) and focal adjustment, thereby optimizing both operations separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by positioning multiple permanent magnets at specific locations around the lens barrel. Each magnet is strategically placed to generate localized magnetic forces that act on specific portions of the lens barrel, enabling precise control over both pop-out and focusing operations with optimized force distribution.
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 a more compact pop-out camera design with improved mechanical accuracy and focusing capabilities, enhancing image quality and device thickness compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator that includes an open spring located in the gap, wherein the open spring is operative to move the inner part relative to the outer part in a first direction parallel to the optical axis to a pop-out state when no external forces are applied
Implementation Method 2
wherein the inner part can move relative to the outer part in a second direction opposite to the first direction to a collapsed state under an external force
Data Source
AI summary
Pop-out cameras having pop-out lens modules that comprise an inner part, an outer part having an outer part diameter dO, a gap between the inner part and outer part having a maximum gap width WG-Max, a moving lens group fixedly coupled to the inner part, the moving lens group including a plurality of N lens elements and having an optical axis, wherein a maximum lens element diameter of all the moving lens elements is DAMax and actuators that include an open spring located in the gap, wherein the open spring is operative to move the inner part relative to the outer part in a first direction parallel to the optical axis to a pop-out state when no external forces are applied, wherein the inner part can move relative to the outer part in a second direction opposite to the first direction to a collapsed state under an external force, wherein do=DAMax+a penalty p, wherein 0.5 mm<p<2.5 mm, and wherein 3 mm<DAMax<15 mm.