Voice Coil Sensor Actuator for Compact Camera Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional camera modules with magnet and coil actuators face challenges in miniaturization due to component size, suffer from electromagnetic interference, and experience high power consumption and difficulty in precise control.

Innovation Solution

A sensor actuator system using wires with changing lengths to move an image sensor, combined with levers and guides, allowing for independent movement in multiple axes to perform optical image stabilization, reducing the need for magnets and coils.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a conventional actuator including a magnet and a coil is used to move a plurality of lenses or an image sensor, then the actuator can generate sufficient driving force, but the camera module size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriving forceVSAvoidcamera module size

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electromagnetic actuator system (magnet and coil) with a voice coil motor that uses only a coil and a voice coil, eliminating the need for magnets. The voice coil motor generates driving force through electromagnetic interaction between two coils, achieving the same function with reduced component size and volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the actuator by using a voice coil motor instead of a conventional magnet-coil actuator. This parameter change allows for reduced size while maintaining sufficient driving force for moving lenses or image sensors in the camera module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Force

If a conventional actuator including a magnet and a coil is used to move a plurality of lenses or an image sensor, then the actuator can generate sufficient driving force, but electromagnetic interference occurs with other components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriving forceVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional magnet-coil actuator with a voice coil motor configuration that eliminates magnets. This substitution reduces the strength and scope of electromagnetic fields, thereby minimizing electromagnetic interference with other components in the camera module while still providing sufficient driving force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Force

If a conventional actuator including a magnet and a coil is used to move a plurality of lenses or an image sensor, then the actuator can generate sufficient driving force, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriving forceVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional magnet-coil actuator with a voice coil motor that uses two coils instead of a magnet and a coil. This configuration allows for more efficient electromagnetic energy conversion, reducing power consumption while maintaining sufficient driving force for moving optical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Force

If a conventional actuator including a magnet and a coil is used to move a plurality of lenses or an image sensor, then the actuator can generate sufficient driving force, but precise control becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriving forceVSAvoidcontrol precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the magnet-coil actuator with a voice coil motor configuration that uses two coils. This substitution enables more precise control of the driving force through independent control of each coil, improving measurement precision and control accuracy for moving lenses or image sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables a compact camera module with reduced power consumption and minimized electromagnetic interference, while providing precise and efficient optical image stabilization.

Implementation Method 1

one or more drivers each includes a wire having a change in length configured to move the image sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

a lever, connected to the wire, configured to rotate around a rotation axis based on the change in length of the wire to move the image sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLever mechanism: Lever

Data Source

PatentUS11722773B2Sensor actuator with driver and camera module including same

Publication Date: 2023.08.08 SAMSUNG ELECTRO MECHANICS CO LTD

AI summary

A sensor actuator includes an image sensor configured to convert incident light into an electrical signal, and first and second driving parts, configured to move the image sensor in first and second directions, respectively, each of the first and second driving parts includes one or more drivers each includes a wire having a change in length configured to move the image sensor. The one or more drivers in the second driving part is configured to move the image sensor and the first driving part together, and the first and second directions are different from each other.