SMA Actuator Bearing Assembly for Compact Camera Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SMA actuator designs for optical image stabilization in miniature cameras face challenges such as difficulty in routing electrical connections due to camera tilt, increased camera height, and complex packaging, which are not efficiently addressed by traditional methods that tilt the entire camera unit.
Innovation Solution
The design employs a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuation apparatus with a support structure and moveable component that allows movement in two orthogonal directions using SMA actuator wires, incorporating a bearing sub-assembly with a sacrificial body portion and metallic bearings, and optionally integrated bearings, to facilitate movement while maintaining a stationary image sensor and reducing camera thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional camera tilt methods are used for optical image stabilization, then image stabilization is achieved, but camera height increases and packaging complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the stabilization function from the entire camera unit by allowing only the lens element to move independently on the support structure, while the image sensor remains stationary. This is achieved through separate bearing sub-assemblies that enable linear movement of the lens element in two orthogonal directions without requiring camera tilt.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from three-dimensional camera tilt stabilization to two-dimensional linear movement of the lens element on the support structure. By using bearing sub-assemblies with sacrificial body portions and metallic bearings, the system achieves stabilization through planar movement rather than spatial reorientation, reducing camera height.
2Reliability
If traditional camera tilt methods are used for optical image stabilization, then image stabilization is achieved, but electrical connection routing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the moving lens element from the stationary image sensor and support structure, with each having independent electrical connection paths. The lens element's linear movement on bearings simplifies electrical routing compared to camera tilt, where entire camera units with integrated electronics must be reoriented.
3Ease of manufacture
If metallic bearings are held apart by sacrificial body portion during manufacture, then bearing positioning is simplified, but additional manufacturing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The sacrificial body portion is pre-formed with bearing recesses that automatically position metallic bearings during assembly. This preliminary preparation of the bearing sub-assembly simplifies the overall manufacturing process by eliminating complex bearing alignment steps, even though it adds an initial fabrication step for the sacrificial structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sacrificial body portion acts as a temporary intermediary structure that facilitates bearing assembly and positioning. After bearings are installed, the sacrificial body is removed, leaving precisely positioned bearings on the support structure. This intermediary approach simplifies bearing positioning compared to direct installation methods.
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
This approach simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces camera height, and improves packaging efficiency by allowing linear movement of the lens element relative to the support structure, effectively providing optical image stabilization without the need for camera tilt, thus enabling smaller and more compact camera designs.
Implementation Method 1
at least two shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator wires connected between the moveable component and the support structure and arranged to, on contraction, move the moveable component
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present techniques provide methods for assembling and manufacturing shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator assemblies, which may also advantageously simplify the process of, speed-up the process of and/or reduce the cost of manufacturing SMA actuator assemblies.