Lens Positioning Module with Shared Magnetic Hub for Compact Camera Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lens positioning systems in portable telecommunications devices, such as smartphones, face limitations in design freedom due to interference between magnetic systems of multi-camera arrangements, necessitating safety distances that restrict camera placement and increase device size.
Innovation Solution
A lens positioning module with a common actuator structure that utilizes a magnetic hub and coils to separately move individual lens carrier units for auto-focusing and collectively move them for optical image stabilization, allowing for flexible placement without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If discrete voice coil actuators are used for each lens holder, then auto-focus and optical image stabilisation functions are achieved, but magnetic field interference requires safety distances that limit camera placement freedom
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete voice coil actuators into a single integrated actuator unit that controls multiple lens holders. The actuator incorporates a common magnetic circuit with shared magnets and voice coils that can independently drive first and second lens holders, eliminating the need for separate magnetic systems and their associated safety distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated actuator unit performs multiple functions simultaneously - it provides auto-focus control for both lens holders and optical image stabilisation for the camera system, all through a single magnetic circuit design. This multi-functional approach replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate actuators.
2Ease of operation
If separate magnetic systems are used for each lens holder, then independent control is achieved, but device volume increases due to required safety distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple magnetic systems into one integrated actuator unit with a shared magnetic circuit. The voice coils are positioned relative to common magnets, allowing independent control of multiple lens holders without requiring separate magnetic assemblies, thereby reducing the overall volume needed in the device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras are placed in close proximity, then design freedom and integration efficiency are enhanced, but magnetic field interference between actuators increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple magnetic systems into a single integrated actuator with a common magnetic circuit. By sharing magnets and voice coils between multiple lens holders, the design eliminates the magnetic field interference that would occur between separate actuators, enabling cameras to be placed in close proximity without interference issues.
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 flexible placement of multiple cameras in close proximity within a device, reducing actuator costs and volumetric space requirements while minimizing interference, thus enhancing design freedom and integration efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a discrete, voice coil (VCM) actuator constructed from a coil-and-magnet system that comprises a plurality of coils positioned relative to a set of four magnets that surround the lens holder
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic hub comprising at least one magnetic element; each auto-focus (AF) drive arrangement comprising a respective first coil co-operable with the magnetic hub to separately move the associated lens carrier unit
Data Source
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AI summary
A lens positioning module (101) comprises two or more lens carrier units (102-105) spaced (102-105) spaced around an outer perimeter (109) of a magnetic hub (108) with a longitudinal axis of each lens carrier unit (102-105) oriented perpendicular to a base plane (110). Each lens carrier unit (102-105) is separately movable along its longitudinal axis by a respective auto-focus (AF) drive arrangement that comprises a respective first coil (301- 304) co-operable with the magnetic hub (108). The lens carrier units (102-105) are movable unitedly in at least one direction parallel to the base plane (110) by a common optical image stabilisation (OIS) drive arrangement that comprises two or more second coils (305-308) co-operable with the magnetic hub (108). A method of providing the lens positioning module (101). A camera (701) comprising the lens positioning module (101). A portable telecommunications device (803) comprising a camera (801) comprising the lens positioning module (101).