Optical Module Drive With Shape-Memory Alloy Swing Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical module drive devices using voice coil motors are prone to increasing in size due to the inclusion of magnets and coils, posing a challenge in device miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
An optical module drive device utilizing a swing mechanism with a first and second swing member, connected by shape memory alloy wires, allowing the optical axis to tilt without the need for magnets and coils, thereby maintaining a compact size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a voice coil motor system is used to drive the optical module, then the optical module can be positioned and focused, but the device size increases due to the inclusion of magnets and coils
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic driving system (voice coil motor with magnets and coils) with a purely mechanical swing mechanism. The optical module is mounted on a swing mechanism that uses mechanical linkages and levers to achieve positioning and focusing movements, eliminating the need for electromagnetic components and thereby reducing device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the driving function into separate mechanical components: a swing mechanism for angular movement, a lever mechanism for amplifying displacement, and linkages for transmitting motion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and contributes to a more compact overall structure compared to a monolithic voice coil motor system.
2Ease of manufacture
If magnets and coils are included in the optical module drive device, then electromagnetic driving is achieved, but the device becomes bigger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electromagnetic components (magnets and coils) with mechanical components (swing mechanism, levers, and linkages). This mechanical substitution achieves the same positioning and focusing functions without requiring electromagnetic fields, thereby eliminating the space needed for magnets and coils and reducing overall device volume.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact optical module drive device is designed, then device size is reduced, but the driving mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic swing mechanism where the optical module is mounted on a pivoting structure that can swing between different angular positions. This dynamic mechanical system provides flexible positioning capability and compact form factor, achieving size reduction while managing complexity through the inherent simplicity of mechanical pivoting compared to electromagnetic actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes angular swing motion and lever arm extensions to amplify displacement in a direction perpendicular to the main optical axis. By operating in this additional dimensional space (angular rotation rather than linear movement), the mechanism achieves compact linear footprint while maintaining effective focusing and positioning ranges.
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 prevents the optical module drive device from increasing in size, maintaining a compact form factor while providing camera shake correction.
Implementation Method 1
the drive part includes a plurality of shape memory alloy wires provided between movable members including the first swing member and the second swing member, and the fixed member
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention controls against size increase of an optical module drive device. An optical module drive device has: a first swing member configured to hold an optical module; a second swing member connected to the first swing member such that the first swing member is swingable about a first swing axis that intersects the optical axis direction; a fixed member connected to the second swing member such that the second swing member is swingable about a second swing axis that intersects the optical axis direction and is perpendicular to the axial direction of the first swing axis; and a drive part configured to make the first swing member swing relative to the fixed member such that the optical axis tilts. The drive part includes a plurality of shape memory alloy wires provided between movable members including the first swing member and the second swing member, and the fixed member.