Variable Focus Lens Camera Module with Dual-Axis Actuation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera modules with autofocus and optical image stabilization (OIS) functions require significant space and power, and function slowly, making them less suitable for consumer electronics like smartphones where a slim form factor and long battery life are desirable.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design that uses a variable focus lens and a mechanical actuator capable of relative translation in two axes (X and Y directions) to perform autofocus and OIS functions, reducing the complexity and power consumption by fixing the lens assembly relative to the image sensor in rotational directions, allowing for sophisticated OIS functionality in four or five axes with simpler mechanical motion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If three voice coil motors are used to perform autofocus and OIS functions, then the camera module achieves comprehensive stabilization, but the space requirement and power consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveOIS performanceVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines autofocus and OIS functions into a single integrated lens assembly that moves as one unit. The lens assembly includes both the variable focus lens for autofocus and the stabilization lens for OIS, eliminating the need for separate voice coil motors and reducing overall system complexity, power consumption, and space requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lens assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - both autofocus adjustment and optical image stabilization - through a single mechanical structure. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed and lowers power consumption compared to using separate dedicated motors for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If three voice coil motors are used to perform autofocus and OIS functions, then the camera module achieves comprehensive stabilization, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveOIS performanceVSAvoidcamera module size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines autofocus and OIS functions into a single integrated lens assembly that moves as one unit. The lens assembly includes both the variable focus lens for autofocus and the stabilization lens for OIS, eliminating the need for separate voice coil motors and reducing overall system complexity, power consumption, and space requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent positions the stabilization lens within or alongside the variable focus lens in a nested or integrated configuration. This nesting approach allows both optical elements to occupy overlapping or adjacent spatial volumes, reducing the total camera module size while maintaining both autofocus and OIS capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If three voice coil motors are used to perform autofocus and OIS functions, then the camera module achieves comprehensive stabilization, but the response speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveOIS performanceVSAvoidresponse speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines autofocus and OIS functions into a single integrated lens assembly that moves as one unit. The lens assembly includes both the variable focus lens for autofocus and the stabilization lens for OIS, eliminating the need for separate voice coil motors and reducing overall system complexity, power consumption, and space requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical voice coil motor system with an integrated lens assembly that uses electrical control to adjust focal length and position. This substitution of the mechanical actuation system with a more responsive electrical control mechanism enables faster response times for both autofocus and stabilization functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10880482B2Camera modules with autofocus and optical image stabilization functions

Publication Date: 2020.12.29 LG INNOTEK CO LTD

AI summary

A camera module includes an image sensor, a lens assembly, and a mechanical actuator. The lens assembly is positioned to focus an image on the image sensor and includes a variable focus lens. The mechanical actuator causes relative translation between the lens assembly and the image sensor in each of an X-direction parallel to a first lateral axis and a Y-direction parallel to a second lateral axis. The first lateral axis is substantially perpendicular to an optical axis of the lens assembly, and the second lateral axis substantially perpendicular to each of the optical axis and the first lateral axis. The lens assembly is fixed relative to the image sensor in each of a first rotational direction about the first lateral axis and a second rotational direction about the second lateral axis.