Shape Memory Alloy Wire Camera Lens Driver Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional camera modules in electronic devices face challenges in achieving quick focusing due to motor lag during image capturing, which affects the image-capturing effect.

Innovation Solution

A driver assembly incorporating shape memory alloy wires that can be energized or deenergized to drive the camera lens assembly along an optical axis, enabling rapid movement and autofocusing, in conjunction with a motor-driven mechanism for precise control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a motor-driven mechanism is used to drive the camera lens assembly, then precise control and zooming are achieved, but focusing speed is slow due to motor lag

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocusing precisionVSAvoidfocusing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the motor-driven mechanism and shape memory alloy wire into a hybrid driving system. The motor provides precise positioning control while the shape memory alloy wire enables rapid focusing adjustments, merging the advantages of both actuation methods to resolve the contradiction between precision and speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The driving assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: the motor handles precise zooming and positioning, while the shape memory alloy wire handles rapid focusing adjustments. This multi-functional design allows the same assembly to optimize both focusing speed and precision without requiring separate independent systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If the moving component is closely connected to the execution portion for direct driving, then driving efficiency is improved, but the moving component cannot move independently through shape memory alloy wire

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriving efficiencyVSAvoidindependent movement capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the connection between the moving component and execution portion by introducing a spaced-apart configuration with the shape memory alloy wire acting as an independent actuator. This segmentation allows the moving component to be driven both directly by the motor through the execution portion and independently by the shape memory alloy wire, maintaining both driving efficiency and independent movement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If only motor-driven transmission is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but focusing speed and responsiveness are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidfocusing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The shape memory alloy wire acts as an intermediary actuator between the control system and the moving component. It enables rapid focusing responses that the motor cannot achieve alone, while the overall structure remains relatively simple by integrating this single additional element into the existing motor-driven framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 allows for quick and accurate zooming and autofocusing, enhancing the image-capturing performance by leveraging the rapid deformation properties of shape memory alloy wires with temperature changes.

Implementation Method 1

at least one shape memory alloy wire connecting the moving component with the execution portion... Each of the at least one shape memory alloy wire is configured to drive the moving component to move along the first direction relative to the execution portion under an external electrical signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory alloy: Shape Memory Alloy

Implementation Method 2

since the shape memory alloy wire shrinks while being energized and stretches while being deenergized, the moving component is driven to move along the first direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal contraction: Thermal Contraction

Data Source

PatentUS11536929B2Driver assembly, camera module and electronic device having image-capturing function

Publication Date: 2022.12.27 AAC OPTICS SOLUTIONS PTE LTD

AI summary

Provided is a driver assembly for driving a moving component. The driver assembly includes: a motor; a transmission portion; and an execution portion; and a shape memory alloy wire connecting the moving component with the execution portion. The moving component is slidably connected to the transmission portion and spaced apart from the execution portion. The motor can drive the transmission portion to lead the execution portion to move along a first direction, in such a manner that the moving component is driven by the shape memory alloy wire to move along the first direction. The shape memory alloy wire is configured to drive the moving component to move along the first direction relative to the execution portion under an external electrical signal. When being applied in the camera module, the driver assembly can drive the movable lens assembly to move along an optical axis, facilitating the zooming and autofocus.