Compact Shake-Correction Optical Unit With Thin Metal Holder

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical units with shake correction functions require a thicker holder frame in the radial direction to maintain strength, leading to a larger overall size, which is undesirable for mobile devices.

Innovation Solution

The optical unit incorporates a cylindrical metal holder with a camera module fixed to its inner peripheral side, utilizing a plate spring intermediate member and a resin case with a metal rotation regulating member to allow for reduced radial dimensions while maintaining strength, featuring case-side and holder-side protrusions to prevent collision and dust generation during impacts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the thickness of the holder frame in the radial direction is increased to ensure strength, then the strength of the holder frame is improved, but the overall size of the optical unit in the radial direction becomes larger

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrength of holder frameVSAvoidradial thickness of holder frame

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The holder frame is constructed using a composite structure combining resin material with a metal reinforcement member (yoke). This composite approach allows the thin holder frame to achieve sufficient strength through the metal reinforcement without increasing radial thickness, resolving the contradiction between strength and size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of uniformly thickening the entire holder frame, the metal reinforcement member is strategically placed only in specific locations where structural strength is needed. This localized reinforcement maintains overall compactness while providing necessary strength at critical points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Length of moving object

If the holder frame is made thinner in the radial direction to reduce size, then the overall size of the optical unit is reduced, but the strength of the holder frame deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradial thickness of holder frameVSAvoidstrength of holder frame

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The combination of resin and metal materials in the holder frame allows for a thin overall structure while maintaining strength. The metal yoke provides structural reinforcement within the thin resin frame, enabling size reduction without sacrificing strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The holder frame is segmented into different functional zones: the resin portion provides the basic structure and electrical insulation, while the metal reinforcement member provides localized strength. This segmentation allows each material to perform its optimal function within a compact overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If the edge of the holder collides with the inner peripheral surface of the resin case during impact, then the holder provides structural support, but the resin case is scraped and dust is generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural support of holderVSAvoiddust generation from resin case scraping

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A metal protection member is introduced as an intermediary element between the holder and the resin case. This metal member absorbs impact forces and prevents direct contact between the holder edge and the resin case surface, eliminating dust generation while maintaining structural support functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The metal protection member is positioned in advance to cushion and absorb potential impact forces before they can reach the resin case. This preventive measure protects the resin case from scraping and dust generation during shocks or drops.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 a smaller optical unit with a shake correction function by reducing the holder's radial thickness while ensuring structural integrity and preventing damage to the resin case during shocks, thus minimizing dust generation.

Implementation Method 1

the intermediate member comprises a plate spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The drive mechanism for shake correction includes a drive magnet fixed to the holder frame and a drive coil fixed to the case

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS12422694B2Optical unit with shake correction function

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 NIDEC INSTR CORP

AI summary

In an optical unit with a shake correction function, a cylindrical holder having an inner peripheral side on which a camera module is fixed is composed of metal. In the optical unit with a shake correction function, a case-side protrusion projecting toward the inner peripheral side of a cylindrical case surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the holder is formed on the inner peripheral side of the case. When a movable body moves relative to a fixed body while the optical axis of a camera module tilts the most, portions of the holder farther inside in the optical axis direction than edges formed on the outer peripheral surface of the holder before the edges come into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the case.