Rotatable Reflection Module for Compact Camera Zoom
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a challenge in designing camera modules for mobile devices that can achieve a high zoom ratio without increasing the overall length of the module, which is limited by the form factor of mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
The camera module incorporates a reflection module with a magnet and a yoke system, where the reflection module is supported by a ball member and can rotate to adjust the optical path, allowing for a longer optical path without increasing the module's length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the total track length is increased to achieve high zoom ratio, then the optical path length is improved, but the overall length of the camera module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rotatable reflection module that operates in a rotational dimension rather than only linear extension. By rotating the reflection module around an optical axis, the system creates a longer optical path through angular movement, allowing the light to traverse a extended path without increasing the linear footprint of the camera module. This dimensional transition from linear to rotational space resolves the contradiction between optical path length and module overall length.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflection module is designed to be rotatable relative to the housing, transforming a static optical path into a dynamic one. The rotatable reflection module can change the direction of light propagation through rotation, enabling the system to achieve extended optical paths through motion rather than through fixed linear arrangement. This dynamic configuration allows the optical path length to be extended without proportionally increasing the stationary module length.
2Length of moving object
If a rotatable reflection module is added to extend optical path, then the optical path length is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ball member as an intermediary element between the reflection module and the housing. This ball member serves as a support and rotation mechanism, enabling the reflection module to rotate smoothly around the optical axis. The ball member acts as a mediator that simplifies the rotation mechanism, allowing the reflection module to be rotatable without requiring complex bearings or mounting structures. This intermediary component reduces the overall structural complexity while achieving the desired rotational functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical rotation mechanisms with a simpler magnetic drive system. Instead of using traditional mechanical bearings, gears, or motors to rotate the reflection module, the system employs magnetic interaction between a magnet on the reflection module and a yoke in the housing. This magnetic actuation mechanism eliminates the need for complex mechanical transmission components, reducing structural complexity while achieving the necessary rotational motion for extending the optical path.
3Length of moving object
If the reflection module is rotated to perform OIS operation, then the optical path length is improved, but the magnetic force balance is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric magnetic pole configurations on the magnet to create position-dependent magnetic forces. The magnet has different pole strengths or arrangements at different positions, causing the magnetic force between the magnet and yoke to vary as the reflection module rotates. This asymmetric magnetic design enables the system to maintain stable positioning at specific angles (such as the neutral position for zooming) while allowing rotation for OIS operations. The asymmetric magnetic poles create the necessary force variations to balance the optical path extension with magnetic force stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes changes in magnetic force parameters as the reflection module rotates to different positions. By rotating the reflection module, the relative position between the magnet and yoke changes, which in turn changes the magnetic force interaction. The patent leverages these parameter changes in magnetic force to achieve both the rotational motion needed for OIS and the force balance needed for stable positioning during zoom operations. The magnetic force parameters are dynamically adjusted through rotation to maintain system stability.
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
This design enables the camera module to achieve a longer optical path while maintaining a compact size, effectively addressing the space limitations in mobile devices and enhancing zoom capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet disposed on a lower portion of the reflection module... a yoke disposed in the housing... a magnetic force acting between the first driving magnet and the yoke
Implementation Method 2
a ball member disposed between the reflection module and the housing, and configured to support a rotation of the reflection module
Implementation Method 3
a movable or rotatable reflector that refracts or reflects light to thus form a longer optical path
Implementation Method 4
a movable or rotatable reflector that refracts or reflects light to thus form a longer optical path
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module is provided. The camera module includes: a housing; a reflection module disposed in the housing, and configured to receive light in a first direction; and a yoke disposed in the housing, wherein the reflection module includes a magnet disposed on a lower portion of the reflection module, and a ball member disposed between the reflection module and the housing and configured to support a rotation of the reflection module. Magnetic force acting between the magnet and the yoke may be changed when the reflection module is rotated from the neutral position.