Prism-Based Optical Path Folding for Slim Camera Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of lenses in camera lenses for mobile electronic devices, such as cellphones, necessitates thicker spaces or protrusions, compromising the slim and aesthetically pleasing design.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing device with a frame, flexible circuit board, camera lens assembly, and rotating prism units driven by voice coil motors, which redirect light without increasing the device's thickness, allowing for a larger number of lenses without affecting the overall appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of lenses in the camera lens is increased, then the imaging performance is improved, but the device thickness increases or lenses protrude outwards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a beam folding mechanism using prisms to redirect light paths in multiple dimensions. The first prism folds the light path in the first direction, and the second prism folds it in a second direction perpendicular to the first, enabling the light to traverse a longer optical path within a compact thickness, thus resolving the contradiction between imaging performance and device thickness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the beam folding prisms are integrated within the camera lens assembly structure. The prisms are positioned to fold the light path through the lens elements, allowing multiple optical components to be arranged in a compact, space-efficient configuration that maintains thin profile while supporting multiple lenses
2Measurement precision
If the number of lenses in the camera lens is increased, then the imaging performance is improved, but the device appearance is affected
Solution Approach 1:
By folding the light path through prisms in multiple directions, the patent enables a longer optical train to be contained within a compact footprint. This allows multiple lenses to be arranged without increasing the device's external dimensions, maintaining a sleek appearance while improving imaging performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the beam folding function directly into the camera lens assembly by mounting the prisms within the assembly housing. This merging of light folding and lens functions into a single integrated unit eliminates the need for additional protruding components, preserving the device's aesthetic appearance
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
Enables a wider imaging angle and better imaging effect while maintaining the device's slim appearance by redirecting light through rotating prism units, allowing for a larger lens set without increasing the device's thickness.
Implementation Method 1
the first prism unit comprises a first prism configured to receive light incident along the Y-axis direction and to reflect the light incident along the Y-axis direction to the camera lens assembly along a Z-axis direction
Implementation Method 2
the second prism unit comprises a second prism configured to receive light from the camera lens assembly and to reflect the light from the camera lens assembly along the X-axis direction
Implementation Method 3
the first voice coil motor comprises a first voice coil and a first magnet that forms a magnetic gap with the first voice coil
Implementation Method 4
the second voice coil motor comprises a second voice coil and a second magnet that forms a magnetic gap with the second voice coil
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing device and a mobile electronic device are provided. The image capturing device includes a frame, a flexible circuit board connected to the frame, a camera lens assembly mounted at the middle of the frame, a first prism unit mounted at one end of the frame and at an object side of the camera lens assembly to receive light, a second prism unit mounted at another end of the frame and at an image side of the camera lens assembly, a first voice coil motor for driving the second prism unit to rotate about an X-axis direction in the frame, and a second voice coil motor for driving the second prism unit to rotate about a Y-axis direction in the frame. The first and second voice coil motors are electrically connected to the flexible circuit board. An overall appearance of a mobile electronic device is not affected.