Variable-Thickness Camera Actuator Coils for Power Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Camera actuators in consumer electronics devices face challenges in efficiently moving larger optical components, leading to increased power consumption and heat generation, which affects battery life and device operation.
Innovation Solution
A camera assembly with a coil actuator featuring variable thickness coils, where smaller cross-sectional sections focus current near magnets for enhanced Lorentz force and larger sections reduce resistance, optimizing power efficiency and movement precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If camera actuators use larger optical components to improve image quality, then image quality is improved, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The coil is designed with variable cross-sectional thickness where different sections have different thicknesses. Thinner sections are positioned where precise Lorentz force generation is needed adjacent to magnets, while thicker sections are positioned where current conduction is prioritized. This local differentiation allows the coil to optimize both force generation efficiency and electrical resistance characteristics in different regions, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining image quality.
2Measurement precision
If camera actuators use larger optical components, then image quality is improved, but heat generation increases affecting device operation
Solution Approach 1:
The variable thickness coil design addresses heat generation by positioning thinner sections adjacent to magnets where Lorentz force generation is most effective, reducing unnecessary material and associated heat capacity. Thicker sections are strategically placed in areas where current conduction is critical but heat dissipation is less sensitive. This spatial differentiation optimizes the balance between electromagnetic performance and thermal management, allowing larger optical components to be moved without excessive heat generation.
3Manufacturing precision
If coil sections have smaller cross-sectional area, then Lorentz force linearity is enhanced, but electrical resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coil implements local quality differentiation by using thinner cross-sections in regions where precise Lorentz force control is required to achieve linearity, and thicker cross-sections in regions where current conduction efficiency is prioritized. This spatial variation in thickness allows each section to be optimized for its specific functional requirement, balancing force linearity and electrical resistance across the entire coil structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil is segmented into multiple sections with different cross-sectional thicknesses rather than using a uniform thickness throughout. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each section's thickness based on its specific functional requirements - thinner sections for precision force generation and thicker sections for low-resistance current conduction - thereby resolving the contradiction between Lorentz force linearity and electrical resistance.
4Use of energy by moving object
If variable thickness coil design is implemented, then power efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The variable thickness coil design applies local quality differentiation to achieve power efficiency by optimizing thickness in different regions for their specific functions. While this increases design complexity, the manufacturing complexity is managed through systematic placement patterns where thinner and thicker sections are strategically positioned based on functional requirements rather than arbitrary variations.
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 camera assembly achieves power-efficient operation by minimizing power consumption and improving the linearity of the Lorentz force, enabling efficient movement of optical components while reducing heat generation.
Implementation Method 1
Each first coil section has a first cross-sectional area and is positioned adjacent to a corresponding magnet of the plurality of magnets
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to a camera module having a lens carrier, a sensor module, and an actuator. The actuator is configured to move one or more components of the camera module, and includes a coil assembly having at least one coil. Each coil has one or more coil sections having a first cross-sectional area and one or more second coil sections having a second cross-sectional area greater than the first cross-sectional area.