Spherical Fulcrum Reflection Module for Compact Image Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional telephoto optical systems face challenges in achieving compactness while maintaining high image quality, often resulting in complex structures and increased weight due to the need for complex driving units to fold optical axes, which complicates the design and size of electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A reflection module with a reflecting element, a rotatable holder, a fixed base, a spherical supporting structure, an auxiliary supporting structure, and an image stabilizing actuator, which allows for image stabilization by rotating the reflecting element using the spherical supporting structure as a fulcrum, minimizing friction and offset, and incorporating an elastic element for preload to support the rotatable holder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex driving unit is used to fold the optical axis, then the image stabilization function is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex and the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spherical supporting structure as the rotation fulcrum for the reflecting element. The spherical geometry provides smooth rotational movement with minimal friction, enabling image stabilization while maintaining a simple structure. The spherical contact points between the supporting structure and the rotatable holder ensure stable rotation without requiring complex mechanical guidance mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from conventional optical systems. By using a simple spherical supporting structure instead of complex driving units, the design removes redundant mechanical elements while retaining the essential image stabilization function. This extraction of unnecessary complexity directly reduces both structural complexity and weight.
2Manufacturing precision
If a long focal length is used for telephoto, then high image quality is achieved, but the total length and size become excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical folding mechanism that changes the dimensional arrangement of the optical path. By using a reflecting element to fold the optical axis, the system achieves a long effective focal length within a compact physical footprint. This dimensional transformation allows the light to travel a longer path through the lens system without requiring the device to be physically long, thus maintaining high image quality while reducing overall size.
3Volume of moving object
If the optical axis is folded to reduce size, then compactness is achieved, but a complex driving unit is required
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical supporting structure serves as a simple yet effective mechanism for enabling the optical axis folding. The spherical geometry naturally guides the rotation of the reflecting element without requiring complex actuators or control mechanisms. This approach achieves compact system size through optical folding while avoiding the complexity of traditional driving units.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional structures are used, then manufacturing is straightforward, but friction and offset affect image stabilization precision
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical supporting structure minimizes friction through its curved contact surfaces, enabling smooth and precise rotation of the reflecting element. The spherical geometry distributes contact forces evenly, reducing wear and maintaining precision over time. This design achieves image stabilization precision while remaining manufacturable using standard spherical bearing and support structures.
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 simplifies the lens assembly structure, achieves compact size, and maintains high image quality by stabilizing the image signal captured by the image sensor, addressing the requirements of high-end electronic devices with reduced mechanical interference and improved manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The fixed base is connected to the rotatable holder via an elastic element
Implementation Method 2
rotating the reflecting element using the spherical supporting structure as a fulcrum, minimizing friction and offset
Implementation Method 3
The reflecting element has a reflecting surface, and the reflecting element is disposed on the rotatable holder and configured to fold an optical path of incident light
Data Source
AI summary
A reflection module capable of image stabilization includes a reflecting element, a rotatable holder, a fixed base, a spherical supporting structure, an auxiliary supporting structure and an image stabilizing actuator. The reflecting element having a reflecting surface for folding optical path of incident light is disposed on the rotatable holder. The fixed base is connected to the rotatable holder via an elastic element. The spherical supporting structure is disposed between the rotatable holder and the fixed base. The auxiliary supporting structure disposed on at least one of the rotatable holder and the fixed base and corresponds to the spherical supporting structure. At least part of the image stabilizing actuator is disposed on the rotatable holder for driving the rotatable holder to rotate by taking the spherical supporting structure as rotation center. The spherical supporting structure is a ball having at least three contact points with the auxiliary supporting structure.