Rotational Image Sensor Stabilization via Ball Bearings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lens assemblies in electronic devices struggle to effectively compensate for rotational vibrations, limiting the quality of captured images as they primarily rely on linear movement for automatic focusing and optical image stabilization, which is insufficient for correcting curved or rotational vibrations.

Innovation Solution

A lens assembly that incorporates a structure allowing the image sensor to rotate with respect to the housing, utilizing a ring-shaped rotation member and balls to mitigate friction, and an electromagnetic driving mechanism to compensate for rotational vibrations, enabling improved image stabilization and focusing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If linear movement of lens or image sensor is used for automatic focusing and OIS, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the ability to compensate for rotational vibrations is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage stabilization performanceVSAvoidmovement mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static linear movement to dynamic rotational movement. The image sensor assembly is enabled to rotate around the optical axis through a rotation member with balls that reduce friction, allowing the system to dynamically respond to rotational vibrations and improve image stabilization performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a rotational dimension to the traditional linear movement mechanism. By enabling the image sensor to rotate around the optical axis in addition to linear movement, the system can compensate for both linear and rotational vibrations, effectively addressing the limitation of one-dimensional stabilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If rotation member with balls is introduced to enable image sensor rotation, then rotational vibration compensation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational vibration compensationVSAvoidrotation mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation member acts as an intermediary between the image sensor assembly and the housing. It provides a controlled rotational interface with balls that reduce friction while maintaining precise rotational movement, enabling smooth rotation without directly coupling the image sensor to the housing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical coupling with a ball-based rotational mechanism. The balls interposed between the rotation member and housing reduce friction and mechanical binding, allowing smoother rotational movement compared to traditional direct mechanical connections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution enhances the quality of captured images by effectively correcting rotational vibrations, improving image stability and clarity, and integrating automatic focusing and optical image stabilization functions.

Implementation Method 1

at least one coil mounted to one of the housing and the rotation member, between the rotation member and the at least one first yoke, and at least one magnetic body mounted to the other of the housing and the rotation member, between the rotation member and the at least one first yoke, wherein the image sensor assembly rotates by an electromagnetic force generated between the at least one coil and the at least one magnetic body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of balls interposed between the rotation member and the other surface of the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction reduction: Ball Bearing

Data Source

PatentEP3342152B1Lens assembly and electronic device including the same
Publication Date: 2020.10.21 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3342152B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3342152B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3342152B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A lens assembly and an electronic device are provided. The lens assembly and/or the electronic device includes a lens barrel, a housing configured to accommodate the lens barrel on one surface of the housing, and an image sensor assembly mounted to the other surface of the housing, the image sensor being configured to rotate around an optical axis of the lens barrel. The image sensor assembly includes a ring-shaped rotation member facing the other surface of the housing, and a plurality of balls interposed between the rotation member and the other surface of the housing. The rotation member rotates on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis.