SMA OIS Suspension Structure for Thin Camera Sensor Shift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical image stabilization (OIS) suspensions in cameras, particularly those used in mobile devices, face challenges in achieving high functionality, robustness, and efficient manufacturing while effectively compensating for vibrations caused by user movement.
Innovation Solution
A suspension assembly incorporating a static and moving plate with shape memory alloy (SMA) elements that are driven by a controller to move the image sensor about x-y axes, allowing for improved stabilization of the image produced by the lens, utilizing SMA wires and centering springs to facilitate precise movement and compensation for vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If SMA wires are used to move the moving member about x-y axes for image stabilization, then vibration compensation capability is improved, but the height of the camera system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The SMA wires are routed through the moving member itself, with the wires extending through openings in the moving member and being attached to its opposite face. This nesting approach allows the wires to be contained within the existing structure rather than adding external height, resolving the contradiction between vibration compensation capability and camera system height.
Solution Approach 2:
The SMA wires are positioned to extend between the static plate and moving member in a manner that utilizes the thickness dimension of the moving member. By routing wires through the moving member's thickness rather than adding vertical clearance, the design achieves x-y axis movement capability without increasing overall system height.
2Volume of moving object
If SMA elements are integrated between static and moving plates for compact design, then camera profile thickness is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension assembly is divided into distinct components: static plate, moving member with openings, and SMA wires. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using standard processes, then assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while achieving a compact camera profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The moving member serves as an intermediary structure that houses the SMA wires within its openings. This intermediate component facilitates the integration of wires into the compact design without requiring complex direct attachment methods, thereby reducing manufacturing difficulty while maintaining thin profile.
3Reliability
If longer SMA wires are used to provide greater movement compensation, then stabilization performance is improved, but the height and complexity of the suspension assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The longer SMA wires are nested within the moving member structure, passing through its openings and being secured to its opposite face. This nesting allows the wires to achieve the necessary length for greater movement compensation without adding external complexity or height to the suspension assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The moving member serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses the SMA wires within its openings, and serves as the attachment point for wireless communication components. This multi-functionality allows longer wires to be accommodated without proportionally increasing assembly complexity.
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 enables enhanced image stabilization, allowing for longer SMA wires that provide greater movement compensation, reducing the overall height of the camera system, and achieving a thinner camera profile while maintaining robustness and efficient manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
one or more shape memory alloy (SMA) elements extending between and coupled to the static plate and moving plate. The SMA elements, when driven by a controller, move the moving plate and the sensor mounting region thereon about the x-axis and the y-axis with respect to the static plate.
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension assembly is described. The suspension assembly including a static member or plate; a moving member or plate movable about an x-axis and a y-axis with respect to the static plate; a sensor mounting region on the moving plate; and one or more shape memory alloy (SMA) elements extending between and coupled to the static plate and moving plate. The SMA elements, when driven by a controller, move the moving plate and the sensor mounting region thereon about the x-axis and the y-axis with respect to the static plate.