Prism Camera Actuator Layout for Slim Low-Power OIS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera modules face challenges in achieving slimness, securing sufficient light, minimizing lens size limitations, and preventing magnetic interference while implementing optical image stabilization (OIS), as well as addressing decenter and tilt phenomena.
Innovation Solution
A camera actuator design featuring a prism unit with a ball bearing and pulling magnet arrangement, where the prism unit is supported by attractive forces, allowing tilting in multiple axes with electromagnetic control, and utilizing space efficiently to minimize size and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the size of the variable lens is increased to increase the amount of light received for clear image quality, then the amount of light received is improved, but the thickness of the camera module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional lens-based light gathering to a prism-based optical path deviation system. By using a movable prism that deflects light at angles, the system achieves effective light collection without requiring large aperture lenses, thereby reducing the thickness dimension while maintaining illumination quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical lens assembly with an electromagnetic-driven prism positioning system. The prism is moved along the optical axis using electromagnetic actuators, substituting bulky mechanical lens mechanisms with a more compact electromagnetic control system that achieves the same optical effect with reduced thickness.
2Reliability
If OIS is implemented, then image stabilization is achieved, but magnetic field interference with AF or Zoom magnet occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and separates the OIS magnetic components from the AF/Zoom magnetic components. By positioning the OIS pulling magnet and ball bearing in a location distinct from the AF motor and zoom mechanism, the patent eliminates magnetic field interference between these functional systems while maintaining effective image stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a non-magnetic housing structure and strategic spacing as intermediaries between magnetic components. The housing material and spatial arrangement act as mediators that prevent magnetic field coupling between OIS and AF/Zoom systems, allowing both functions to operate independently without interference.
3Length of stationary object
If the camera module is slimmed down, then the thickness is reduced, but the prism unit positioning and stability become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the prism unit to move along the optical axis (depth dimension) rather than requiring lateral positioning adjustments. This one-dimensional movement along the Z-axis simplifies the positioning mechanism and maintains precision while reducing the overall thickness of the camera module.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning and adjustment mechanisms with an electromagnetic actuation system. The electromagnetic motor and pulling magnet provide precise control of the prism position through magnetic field forces, achieving high positioning accuracy in a compact form factor without bulky mechanical adjustment components.
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 design achieves an ultra-thin and ultra-small camera actuator with improved optical characteristics, reduced lens size limitations, and minimized decenter or tilt phenomena, while securing sufficient light and enabling low-power OIS implementation.
Implementation Method 1
a ball bearing and a pulling magnet for generating attractive force to each other are disposed in the prism unit and the housing, and wherein the prism unit is supported to the housing by the attractive force between the ball bearing and the pulling magnet
Implementation Method 2
a first driving unit disposed on the prism mover, and a second driving unit opposite to the first driving unit
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module includes a lens unit, a prism unit configured to transmitting light to the lens unit, a housing providing a receiving space in which the prism unit is received, a cover member covering the housing, a driving unit configured to tilt the prism unit, and a ball bearing disposed to be aligned with to an optical axis direction passing through a center of the lens unit. The ball bearing provides a tilting axis for tilting the prism unit along a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and the optical axis direction.