Variable Iris Camera Module Using Voice Coil Motor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile terminal camera modules lack the ability to vary their aperture, making it difficult for users to achieve desired image settings, and existing solutions increase the device's weight and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A camera module with a variable iris mechanism using a voice coil motor (VCM) scheme, where the effective diameter of the iris is adjusted by electromagnetic forces, allowing for aperture control without increasing the module's thickness and weight, and integrating the iris circuit board directly into a synthetic resin component for a more compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a variable iris mechanism is added to enable aperture adjustment, then image quality and user control are improved, but device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaperture adjustment capabilityVSAvoidcamera module structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the iris circuit board with a synthetic resin component to form an integrated structure. This combination eliminates the need for separate circuit board mounting, reducing the number of components and simplifying the overall camera module structure while maintaining aperture adjustment functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The synthetic resin component serves multiple functions: it acts as both a structural element and a circuit board substrate. By integrating the circuit board functionality into the resin component, the design achieves multi-functionality, reducing complexity while enabling aperture variation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a variable iris mechanism is added to enable aperture adjustment, then image quality and user control are improved, but device weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaperture adjustment capabilityVSAvoidcamera module weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of the circuit board with the synthetic resin component reduces the total number of separate parts. This merging eliminates redundant structural elements and connection components, thereby reducing the overall weight of the camera module while preserving aperture adjustment capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The use of synthetic resin as a composite material that can integrate both structural and electronic functions allows for weight reduction. The resin component replaces heavier traditional circuit board substrates and mounting structures, achieving lighter weight while maintaining functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If a variable iris mechanism is added to enable aperture adjustment, then image quality and user control are improved, but module thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaperture adjustment capabilityVSAvoidmodule thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the circuit board and synthetic resin component into a single integrated structure, eliminating the need for additional spacing and mounting layers. This merging reduces the overall thickness of the camera module while maintaining the variable iris mechanism functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integration approach shifts the design from a multi-layer stacked structure to a more compact integrated configuration. By reorganizing the spatial arrangement and eliminating redundant layers, the design achieves reduced thickness in the critical dimension while preserving aperture adjustment capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 thinner, lighter, and more compact camera modules with adjustable aperture settings, enhancing image quality and user control while maintaining the device's portability and aesthetic appeal.

Implementation Method 1

A camera module with a variable iris mechanism using a voice coil motor (VCM) scheme, where the effective diameter of the iris is adjusted by electromagnetic forces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS20170324892A1Mobile terminal
Publication Date: 2017.11.09 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • US20170324892A1 patent drawing
  • US20170324892A1 patent drawing
  • US20170324892A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An iris of a mobile terminal includes a cover having a through hole therein and forming an internal space, a first blade disposed in the internal space and having a first through hole communicating with the through hole, a second blade disposed to overlap the first blade in at least a portion thereof within the internal space, communicating with the through hole, and having a second through hole formed to adjust a region in which light is incident through interference with the first through hole, and a link member connected to one end portion of each of the first and second blades and varying an aperture of the iris by moving at least one of the first and second blades.