VCM Actuator Nesting for Camera Size Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to design a camera actuator arrangement that enables size reduction while maintaining optical image stabilization and autofocus functionality, particularly for integration in small form factor devices like smartphones and tablets, where existing solutions often occupy excessive space.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator with magnets and coils positioned within a cavity defined by the lens barrel flange and outer surface, allowing for movement of the lens group parallel and orthogonal to the optical axis, thereby enabling a compact camera design by utilizing otherwise unutilized space and rearranging the suspension arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a voice coil motor actuator with magnets and coils is positioned within the cavity defined by the lens barrel flange and outer surface, then camera size is reduced, but the complexity of arranging suspension and actuator components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator components (magnets and coils) are nested within the cavity formed by the lens barrel flange and outer surface, utilizing otherwise wasted space. This nesting approach allows the actuator to be integrated into the existing camera structure without increasing the overall camera volume, effectively reducing the camera size while accommodating all necessary components.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension arrangement is reconfigured to accommodate the actuator components in a different spatial dimension. By positioning the magnets and coils within the cavity space rather than alongside other components, the design transforms a two-dimensional layout problem into a three-dimensional solution, optimizing space utilization and reducing camera footprint.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the actuator components are arranged to enable movement parallel and orthogonal to the optical axis, then both autofocus and optical image stabilization functionality is achieved, but the space required for component arrangement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator arrangement is designed to perform multiple functions: it enables both autofocus (movement parallel to the optical axis) and optical image stabilization (movement orthogonal to the optical axis). By making the actuator system multi-functional, the design eliminates the need for separate mechanisms for each function, thereby achieving versatile focus adjustment capabilities without increasing camera size.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator system is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing the lens group to move in multiple directions (parallel and orthogonal to the optical axis) as needed. This dynamic arrangement enables the camera to adapt between different operational modes (autofocus and OIS) using the same physical space, optimizing the balance between functionality and compactness.
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
This configuration achieves a reduced camera size by optimizing the use of space, providing both autofocus and optical image stabilization capabilities while maintaining the optical axis alignment, thus enhancing the camera's compactness and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
The magnet(s) and the coil(s) may electromagnetically interact with each other to move the lens group in a direction parallel to an optical axis
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments include a camera having an actuator arrangement that may enable a camera size reduction. For example, the camera may include a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator to move a lens group relative to an image sensor. According to some embodiments, the VCM actuator may include one or more magnets and one or more coils positioned near an underside of a flange defined by a lens barrel arrangement. In some embodiments, the camera may include a suspension arrangement comprising one or more springs for suspending a lens barrel arrangement from one or more stationary structures of the camera. The magnet(s) and the coil(s) of the actuator arrangement may be positioned above the spring(s) of the suspension arrangement in some embodiments.