Voice Coil Motor Magnetic Locking for Stable Lens Carrier Parking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Voice coil motors in optical imaging devices face issues with components sliding relative to the housing when not in use, leading to potential collisions and damage due to lack of firm fixation.
Innovation Solution
A voice coil motor design that incorporates a magnet generating a first magnetic field to attract a magnetic member and fix the carrier to the base when powered off, and a second magnetic field generated by the coil to separate and allow movement when powered on, utilizing elastic pieces to ensure secure positioning and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the carrier and components are not firmly fixed on the base, then the carrier can move freely for focus adjustment, but the components may slide relative to the housing and cause collisions when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a magnetic field-based dynamic fixation system where the carrier is held in position through magnetic attraction when the motor is not in use, and can move freely when the magnetic field is deactivated during operation. This dynamic approach allows the system to switch between stable fixation and free movement based on operational state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic field parameter (presence or absence) to control the fixation state of the carrier. When the voice coil motor is powered off, the magnetic field is active to fix the carrier; when powered on, the magnetic field is deactivated to allow movement. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between stability and movement freedom.
2Reliability
If a magnetic field is used to fix the carrier to the base when powered off, then component stability is improved, but the system complexity increases due to additional magnetic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the magnetic field serve dual functions: it acts as the operating mechanism of the voice coil motor during normal operation and simultaneously serves as a fixation mechanism when the motor is powered off. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate fixation components, reducing overall system complexity while improving stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The voice coil motor system itself provides the fixation function through its inherent magnetic field when powered off, without requiring external or additional fixation mechanisms. The system serves its own fixation needs, reducing complexity by eliminating redundant components.
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
Prevents collisions between components by firmly fixing the carrier to the base when the motor is off and enables free movement and auto-focus when powered on, reducing the risk of damage and enhancing the motor's operational stability.
Implementation Method 1
the magnet 20 is always generating a first magnetic field and when the voice coil motor 100 is powered off, the first magnetic field attracts the magnetic member 40
Implementation Method 2
the first magnetic field attracts the magnetic member 40, so that the carrier 30 and the base 10 are effectively held and fixed to each other
Implementation Method 3
a current applied to the coil 50 to cause it to generate a second magnetic field. A direction of the magnetic field of the second magnetic field is opposite to that of the first magnetic field
Implementation Method 4
the second magnetic field reduces or cancels the attractive force of the first magnetic field of the magnet 20, so that the carrier 30 and the base 10 are separated and can work and move freely
Data Source
AI summary
A voice coil motor held immobile by magnetic attraction when not in use for photography purposes includes a base, a magnet fixed thereto, a carrier, a magnetic member, and a coil. The magnetic member is fixed to the carrier and is attracted by a permanent magnetic field (first MF) of the magnet on the base. The coil is fixed to the carrier and the magnetic member. When the voice coil motor is powered on, the coil generates a second magnetic field (second MF) opposing the first MF. The second MF reduces or eliminates the attractive force of the first MF of the magnet, to separate the carrier and its fittings and allow them to work freely. A lens module and an electronic device are further provided.