Prism-Tilting Camera Actuator for Ultra-Slim Image Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera modules face challenges in achieving ultra-small and ultra-slim designs while ensuring optimal optical characteristics, minimizing decenter and tilt phenomena, preventing magnetic field interference, and reducing power consumption, particularly in applications like advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) where precise image stabilization and zooming are critical.

Innovation Solution

A camera actuator design that includes a housing with a prism unit and a driving unit, utilizing a prism mover and elastic members to tilt-control the prism unit via electromagnetic force, optimizing space utilization and minimizing friction, and employing a unique guide portion structure to prevent magnetic interference and reduce power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a lens is moved by mechanical movement of the actuator for zooming function, then zooming capability is achieved, but frictional torque is generated causing decrease in driving force and increase in power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvezooming capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical contact-based zoom actuator with a magnetic field-based actuator. The actuator includes a magnet and a coil that generate electromagnetic force to move the lens assembly, eliminating mechanical friction and contact wear. This substitution of mechanical system with electromagnetic system reduces power consumption while maintaining zooming capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Force

If separation distance is increased in friction region to reduce friction torque resistance, then driving force improves, but lens decentering or lens tilt are deepened during zoom movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriving forceVSAvoidlens alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the friction region entirely by replacing mechanical contact with magnetic field interaction. The lens assembly is moved by electromagnetic force without physical contact, so increasing separation distance is unnecessary. This resolves the contradiction by removing the source of friction while maintaining precise lens alignment through magnetic field control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the actuator and the lens assembly. The magnetic field acts as a non-contact mediator that transmits force without mechanical contact, eliminating friction and preventing lens decentering or tilt during zoom movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Volume of moving object

If camera module size is reduced for ultra-small design, then portability improves, but space for OIS drive is limited making it difficult to implement OIS function

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera module sizeVSAvoidOIS function implementation

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a multi-functional actuator that performs both zooming and optical image stabilization (OIS) functions. The same magnet and coil assembly that moves the lens for zooming can also generate magnetic forces to counteract camera shake for OIS. This multi-functionality allows OIS to be implemented in ultra-small camera modules without requiring additional dedicated OIS drive space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the zoom actuator and OIS actuator into a single integrated unit. The magnet and coil serve dual purposes: generating electromagnetic force for zooming and generating counteracting magnetic force for image stabilization. This merging of functions enables compact camera module design while maintaining both zooming and OIS capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 ultra-thin and ultra-small camera modules with improved optical performance, reduced magnetic interference, and lower power consumption, enhancing image stabilization and zooming capabilities while maintaining precise alignment and reducing frictional torque.

Implementation Method 1

a driving unit for tilting the prism unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

an elastic member disposed between the housing and the prism unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12455496B2Camera actuator, camera module, and camera device including same

Publication Date: 2025.10.28 LG INNOTEK CO LTD

AI summary

A camera actuator includes a housing; a prism unit disposed in the housing; and a driving unit for tilting the prism unit. The prism unit includes a prism mover including a receiving portion; and a prism disposed in the receiving portion. The housing includes a sidewall and a guide portion including an inclined surface disposed on the sidewall.