Ball Bearing Sensor-Shift Camera Flexure for Compact OIS and Autofocus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing small form factor cameras face challenges in achieving high-resolution autofocus and optical image stabilization due to symmetrical designs that prevent them from fitting into smaller spaces.
Innovation Solution
A camera design incorporating a ball bearing actuator and flexure to move an image sensor, allowing for asymmetrical construction that reduces the camera's footprint while providing autofocus and optical image stabilization capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a symmetrical camera design is used, then the camera structure is stable and easy to manufacture, but the camera cannot fit into smaller spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the ball bearing actuator and flexure assembly on only one side of the image sensor carrier, creating an unbalanced structure that reduces overall camera volume. The flexure extends from one side to provide electrical connections during motion, eliminating the need for symmetrical wiring arrangements and enabling compact integration in mobile devices.
2Measurement precision
If the image sensor is moved for autofocus and stabilization, then high-resolution imaging capability is improved, but the electrical connection reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexure, which is a flexible printed circuit board, to maintain electrical connections between the moving image sensor carrier and the stationary camera body. This flexible film structure allows the carrier to move for autofocus and stabilization while continuously conducting electrical signals and power, solving the reliability issue of electrical connections during sensor motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexure acts as an intermediary element between the moving image sensor carrier and the stationary circuit board. It mediates the electrical connection requirement while accommodating the mechanical motion, allowing the sensor to move freely for imaging functions without compromising electrical connectivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a ball bearing actuator is used to move the image sensor, then autofocus and optical stabilization are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the autofocus and optical stabilization functions into a single integrated ball bearing actuator system. The actuator uses voice coil motors to control ball bearings that directly move the image sensor carrier, combining multiple imaging adjustment functions into one mechanism rather than using separate actuators for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical lens-based autofocus systems with a sensor-shift mechanism using ball bearing actuators. Instead of moving heavy lens assemblies mechanically, the system uses electromagnetic voice coil motors to move lighter ball bearings and the image sensor, reducing mechanical complexity while achieving the same optical adjustment effects.
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 high-resolution imaging with autofocus and optical stabilization in a smaller form factor, fitting into compact spaces by utilizing a ball bearing actuator and flexure to maintain electrical connections during motion.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator may include a coil fixedly coupled with the carrier, such that the coil moves together with the carrier, a magnet fixedly coupled with the shield can, and a bearing suspension arrangement to suspend the carrier from the shield can
Implementation Method 2
a flexure to supply a drive current to the ball bearing actuator
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments include a camera having a ball bearing voice coil motor (VCM) actuator for moving a carrier (and image sensor) and a flexure to supply a drive current to the ball bearing VCM actuator, allowing motion of the carrier relative to a stationary structure of the camera while maintaining an electrical connection. In embodiments, the camera may include a shield can coupled to a lens barrel (e.g., forming a seal to block particles and/or light), and the carrier is coupled with the image sensor. The ball bearing VCM actuator may include a coil coupled with the carrier, a magnet coupled with the shield can, and a ball bearing suspension arrangement to suspend the carrier from the shield can.