Ultrasonic Optical Actuator Layout for Shake Correction and Autofocus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera modules lack a novel configuration for optical actuators that effectively correct camera shake and perform auto-focusing.
Innovation Solution
An optical actuator comprising an inner holder supporting an optical path bending member, an outer holder that sways the inner holder about a first axis, and a drive unit with an ultrasonic motor to sway the inner holder, featuring a fan-shaped contact part for stable resonance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional actuator configuration is used for shake correction and auto-focusing, then the basic functionality is achieved, but the device lacks novel configuration and optimized performance
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is divided into distinct functional segments: a drive unit containing a motor, a transmission mechanism with gear segments, and separate actuator units for different degrees of freedom. This segmentation allows for novel configuration while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive unit is designed to provide universal actuation capability for multiple functions including shake correction and auto-focusing. The transmission mechanism can redirect actuation forces to different actuator units, enabling one drive unit to serve multiple optical adjustment purposes through a unified structure.
2Reliability
If the inner holder is supported at both end portions for swaying, then stable resonance and shake correction are achieved, but the support structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure provides different types of support at different locations: the both end portions of the inner holder are rotatably supported via bearing parts for stable resonance during swaying, while other portions may have different support characteristics. This localized optimization of support quality achieves stable resonance without uniformly increasing overall structural 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
Enables a novel configuration for camera modules with improved shake correction and auto-focusing capabilities, enhancing the functionality of camera-mounted devices.
Implementation Method 1
The ultrasonic motor includes a transducer configured to resonate
Data Source
AI summary
An optical actuator that comprises an inside holder that can hold an optical path bending member, an outside holder supporting the inside holder such that the inside holder can pivot around a first axis, and a drive unit making the inside holder pivot. Either end part of the inside holder is rotatably supported on the outside holder. The drive unit has: an ultrasonic motor supported on the outside holder, and an intermediate part supported on the inside holder. The ultrasonic motor has an oscillator that resonates, and the intermediate part has a fan-shaped contact part that contacts the oscillator.