Retractable Lens-Sensor Layout for Thin Mobile Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging apparatuses in mobile devices face challenges in achieving optimal optical characteristics while maintaining a thin form factor, as they often require a compromise between imaging quality and device thickness, limiting the integration of other features.
Innovation Solution
A retractable structure with a movable lens group and actuator along the optical axis, allowing the lens group to transition between active and inactive positions, where in the active position, the lens group and actuator protrude from the device, and in the inactive position, they reside close to the image sensor, enabling better optical characteristics and more space for other device features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the lens group and actuator are positioned further from the image sensor to achieve better optical characteristics, then imaging quality is improved, but the device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lens group and actuator are designed to move dynamically between an active position (protruding from the device for optimal imaging) and an inactive position (retracted close to the image sensor for thin profile). This dynamic positioning allows the device to achieve both good optical characteristics and thin form factor at different times, resolving the contradiction between imaging quality and device thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
In the inactive position, the lens group and actuator are nested within the device housing close to the image sensor, similar to how nested dolls store one inside another. This nesting arrangement minimizes the protruding distance, enabling the device to maintain a thin profile while still containing all necessary imaging components.
2Length of stationary object
If the lens group and actuator are retracted close to the image sensor, then device thickness is reduced, but optical characteristics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the position of the lens group and actuator based on operational requirements. When thin profile is needed, components are retracted; when imaging quality is prioritized, components extend to optimal positions, allowing the device to adapt between these conflicting requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens group and actuator are positioned in advance at optimal locations for imaging when needed, rather than maintaining a fixed compromised position. This preliminary positioning to optimal spots during active use ensures that when the device is being used for imaging, the best possible optical characteristics are achieved despite the thin form factor constraint.
3Volume of moving object
If the imaging apparatus is made compact to fit in thin devices, then device form factor is improved, but space for other features is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lens group and actuator are nested within the device housing in a compact arrangement, with the actuator positioned at the same level as the image sensor. This nested configuration minimizes the volume occupied by the imaging apparatus, creating space for other device features while maintaining all necessary imaging functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is positioned laterally at the same level as the image sensor rather than extending the optical path in the thickness direction. This dimensional rearrangement allows the imaging apparatus to occupy less volume along the thickness axis, freeing up space for other features while maintaining imaging capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
The imaging apparatus comprises a retractable structure with active and inactive positions. An outermost lens group and a lens group actuator are movable along an optical axis. In the inactive position the lens group and the lens group actuator reside close to an image sensor. The lens group actuator is positioned to the same level as the image sensor. In the active position the outermost lens group and the lens group actuator are further from the image sensor along the optical axis. The retractable structure may protrude from the device, covering the imaging apparatus. In one example the structure is reversed, the image sensor protrudes from the device while the outermost lens group is fixed to the device body.