Sensor Shifting Module Using Coil-Yoke Actuation for Compact OIS

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Solution Overview

Problem

The implementation of optical image stabilization (OIS) in mobile devices is complicated and costly due to the need for mechanical actuators, which can interfere with neighboring electronic components and require precise placement of cameras, especially when using permanent magnets.

Innovation Solution

A sensor shifting module with a movable body and a driving unit utilizing electromagnetic interaction between a driving coil and yoke to move and rotate the image sensor, eliminating the need for permanent magnets and allowing closer camera placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a permanent magnet is used in the actuator to drive the image sensor, then the image stabilization function can be implemented, but magnetic field interference occurs affecting surrounding electronic components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage stabilization functionVSAvoidmagnetic field interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the permanent magnet-based actuator with a voice coil motor (VCM) system that uses electromagnetic interaction between a coil and a magnetless yoke structure. This substitution eliminates the permanent magnet while maintaining the image stabilization function through electromagnetic force generation, thereby resolving the magnetic field interference issue affecting surrounding electronic components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the permanent magnet from the actuator system entirely. By using a VCM configuration where the magnet is replaced by an electromagnetic coil interacting with a yoke, the harmful magnetic field source is taken out while the essential image sensor positioning function is preserved through alternative electromagnetic actuation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If a mechanical actuator with permanent magnet is used, then image stabilization is achieved, but the device structure becomes complicated and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage stabilization functionVSAvoidactuator structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simplifies the actuator structure by replacing complex mechanical components with an integrated voice coil motor system. The VCM uses electromagnetic interaction between a coil and yoke to directly drive the image sensor, eliminating the need for permanent magnets, mechanical linkages, and complex positioning mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining stabilization performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the lens barrel is driven to achieve image stabilization, then the function is implemented, but a relatively large amount of force is required making the structure complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage stabilization functionVSAvoiddriving force

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of moving the heavy lens barrel to achieve image stabilization, the patent inverts the approach by moving the lightweight image sensor in the opposite direction. This inversion dramatically reduces the required driving force since the image sensor is much lighter than the lens barrel, allowing for simpler actuator design with the VCM system that requires minimal force to achieve the same stabilization effect

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Enables effective optical image stabilization with reduced magnetic interference, facilitating compact camera designs and improved performance without affecting adjacent electronic components.

Implementation Method 1

when a current is applied to the driving coil, the movable body is configured to move in a direction perpendicular to the first direction by an electromagnetic interaction between the driving coil and the driving yoke

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interaction: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

the driving unit is configured to move the movable body in a direction, perpendicular to a first direction, with respect to the fixed body, and configured to rotate the movable body about an axis parallel to the first direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interaction: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS12407927B2Sensor shifting module and camera module having the same

Publication Date: 2025.09.02 SAMSUNG ELECTRO MECHANICS CO LTD

AI summary

A sensor shifting module is provided. The module includes a fixed body, a movable body movably disposed inside the fixed body and including an image sensor having an imaging plane oriented in a first direction, and a driving unit moving the movable body in a direction, perpendicular to the first direction, with respect to the fixed body, and rotating the movable body about an axis parallel to the first direction. The driving unit includes a driving coil coupled to one of the fixed body and the movable body, and a driving yoke coupled to the other of the fixed body and the movable body, the driving yoke faces the driving coil in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. When a current is applied to the driving coil, the movable body moves in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, or rotates about an axis parallel to the first direction.