VCM Camera Actuator for Multi-Axis Lens and Sensor Shifting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Small form factor cameras in mobile devices face challenges in achieving high-resolution optical image stabilization and autofocus functionality within compact designs, requiring innovative actuation mechanisms that can move lenses and image sensors along multiple axes while maintaining reliability and power efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A voice coil motor (VCM) actuator system incorporating stationary magnets, flexures, and coils to move the image sensor and lens in orthogonal directions, along the optical axis, and tilt relative to the optical axis, providing optical image stabilization, autofocus, and tilt functionality, with flexures supporting mechanical and electrical connections for compliance and stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a voice coil motor actuator system is used to enable optical image stabilization and autofocus in compact cameras, then optical image stabilization and autofocus functionality are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines optical image stabilization and autofocus functionalities into a single integrated voice coil motor actuator system. The first voice coil motor moves the lens along the optical axis for autofocus, while the second voice coil motor moves the image sensor in orthogonal directions for optical image stabilization. This merging approach enables both functions within one compact system rather than requiring separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator system employs universal components that serve multiple functions. The flexures provide both mechanical support and electrical connectivity simultaneously. The stationary magnets and coils work together to enable both lens movement for autofocus and sensor movement for stabilization. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
2Reliability
If flexures are used to provide mechanical and electrical connections with compliance and stiffness, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexures utilize the elastic properties of materials to provide compliance in certain directions while maintaining stiffness in others. By carefully selecting material parameters and geometric dimensions, the design achieves the desired balance between flexibility for movement and stiffness for stability. The flexures are engineered with specific thickness, width, and length parameters to optimize their mechanical behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexures are constructed using composite structures that combine different materials or material properties to achieve both compliance and stiffness. This may involve using materials with specific elastic moduli or creating composite structures that exhibit anisotropic mechanical properties, allowing the flexures to be flexible in the direction of motion while remaining rigid in perpendicular directions.
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 VCM actuator system enhances the compact camera module's effectiveness by providing reliable and power-efficient optical image stabilization, autofocus, and tilt capabilities, suitable for multi-aperture systems and minimizing magnetic interactions between adjacent actuators.
Implementation Method 1
magnets, coils... configured to magnetically interact to move the image sensor in directions orthogonal to an optical axis of the camera
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments include a camera voice coil motor (VCM) actuator configured to shift a lens and/or an image sensor along multiple axes. The VCM actuator may include a bottom flexure and a top flexure that connect one or more dynamic members to one or more static members. The VCM actuator may include stationary magnets and coils held by dynamic members. In some cases, the VCM actuator may be configured to move the image sensor along an optical axis, to move the image sensor in directions orthogonal to the optical axis, and/or to tilt the image sensor relative to the orthogonal axis. In some examples, the VCM actuator may be configured to move the image sensor in directions orthogonal to the optical axis, to move the lens along the optical axis, and/or to tilt the lens relative to the optical axis.