Reflective Camera Module Layout for Compact AF Zoom and OIS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Camera modules in portable electronic devices face challenges in miniaturization due to the complexity and size increase required for implementing autofocusing, zoom, and optical image stabilization functions, which lead to increased weight and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A compact camera module design featuring a housing with a lens module, a reflective module, and a driving unit using coils and magnets to rotate the reflective module and lens barrels, along with a main substrate and circuit elements to provide driving signals, allowing for efficient implementation of AF, zoom, and OIS functions without significant size increase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lens or image sensor is directly moved for hand-shake correction, then OIS function is achieved, but power consumption increases due to higher driving force requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflective module as an intermediary component that redirects light to the image sensor. By moving the reflective module instead of the entire lens or image sensor, the system achieves OIS function while significantly reducing the driving force and power consumption requirements, as the reflective module has much smaller mass than the lens or sensor assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lens barrels are used for AF and zoom functions, then focusing and zoom capabilities are achieved, but the camera module size increases making it difficult to implement in compact devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a reflective module that operates in a dimension perpendicular to the optical axis, allowing light path modification without requiring additional axial space. This enables AF and zoom functions to be achieved through lateral displacement of the reflective module rather than through axial movement of multiple lens barrels, significantly reducing the overall camera module size.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective module serves multiple functions simultaneously: it enables both autofocusing and zoom operations by redirecting light at different angles, and also provides optical image stabilization. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing the overall camera module size while maintaining full functionality.
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 enables the integration of AF, zoom, and OIS functions in a compact form, reducing the thickness of portable electronic devices and minimizing power consumption while maintaining performance.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective member configured to change an optical path of light
Implementation Method 2
a first driving unit configured to rotate the reflective module and including a first coil and a first magnet
Implementation Method 3
a second driving unit configured to rotate the reflective module and including a second coil and a second magnet
Implementation Method 4
a third driving unit including a third coil and a third magnet configured to drive the lens module
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module includes a housing defining an internal space, a lens module including a plurality of lenses, a reflective module disposed in front of the lens module and including a reflective member to change an optical path of light, a first driving unit to rotate the reflective module and including a first coil and a first magnet, a second driving unit to rotate the reflective module and including a second coil and a second magnet, a main substrate attached to the housing and including a first side substrate, and a circuit element disposed on the main substrate to provide a driving signal. The first coil and the second coil are disposed on the first side substrate of the main substrate, and the circuit element is disposed on a surface of the main substrate that is perpendicular to the first side substrate and faces the internal space of the housing.