Scratch Drive Actuator Optical Image Stabilizer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical image stabilizers face challenges in being incorporated into mobile communication terminals due to space constraints, as they require sufficient space for a drive unit to correct image blurring caused by hand shake, especially when the space is limited for both optical lens and image sensor movement.
Innovation Solution
An optical image stabilizer using a MEMS structure with a substrate, table, supporting members, and a scratch drive actuator that employs electrostatic force to move the image sensor, allowing for miniaturization and reduced mounting space, utilizing silicon and metal or poly silicon components, and enabling the image sensor to be mounted via wire bonding or flip-chip bonding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an optical image stabilizer uses a drive unit to move an optical lens, then image stabilization function is achieved, but the device requires large mounting space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical drive unit with a scratch drive actuator that uses electrostatic force to move the image sensor. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical components and significantly reduces the mounting space required for the drive unit while maintaining the image stabilization function.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of moving the optical lens to achieve image stabilization, the patent inverts the approach by moving the image sensor in the opposite direction to compensate for hand shake. This inversion allows for a more compact design as the image sensor can be moved using a smaller scratch drive actuator compared to moving the entire optical lens assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an optical image stabilizer is designed for mobile communication terminals, then portability is improved, but space for drive unit becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The scratch drive actuator is integrated into the substrate structure, with the drive unit nested within the available space on the substrate. The electrostatic actuator is positioned between the substrate and the image sensor, utilizing the vertical space efficiently. This nesting approach allows the drive unit to fit within the limited space constraints of mobile communication terminals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the driving mechanism from mechanical to electrostatic, which fundamentally alters the space requirements. The electrostatic scratch drive actuator requires significantly less space than a mechanical drive unit while providing the same image stabilization function, enabling integration into compact mobile terminals.
3Area of stationary object
If a scratch drive actuator uses electrostatic force to move the image sensor, then mounting space is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scratch drive actuator is divided into multiple independent scratch drive arrays, each consisting of separate drive units that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of each individual unit while achieving complex overall motion control. The electrode layer is also patterned to correspond to each scratch drive array, enabling independent addressing and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The scratch drive actuator structure serves multiple functions: it provides the driving force for image sensor movement, acts as a support structure, and enables precise positioning control. The electrostatic electrode layer serves both as the driving mechanism and as part of the structural assembly, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
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 solution effectively corrects image blurring caused by hand shake while minimizing space requirements, enabling mass production and reducing module costs, thus making it suitable for mobile communication terminals.
Implementation Method 1
an electrode layer which is disposed on the substrate and generates electrostatic force; and scratch drive arrays which are disposed on the electrode layer and movable in predetermined directions by the electrostatic force
Data Source
AI summary
A method for an optical image stabilizer including: providing an SOI wafer substrate which has a plurality of cells, the SOI wafer substrate including an insulating layer, and first and second silicon layers disposed on both sides of the insulating layer; forming scratch drive arrays and supporting members on each of the cells by etching the first silicon layer; forming the table through cells' separation by etching the second silicon layer and the insulating layer; removing the insulating layer interposed between the scratch drive arrays and the table; mounting the image sensor on the table; forming the substrate which has an electrode layer corresponding to the scratch drive arrays; and assembling the table with the image sensor and the scratch drive arrays on the substrate having the electrode layer in such a manner that the scratch drive arrays face the electrode layer each other.