Camera lens actuation apparatus
US8350959B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 23, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jan 8, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 21, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B13/001
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A camera lens actuation apparatus for driving motion of a camera lens supported on a support structure by a suspension system. The apparatus incorporates a subassembly comprising SMA wire connected to at least one mounting member which is mounted to the support structure. At least one pair of lengths of SMA wire are held in tension between the camera lens element and the support structure at respective acute angles to the optical axis applying a tensional force having a component along the optical axis. The lengths of SMA wire in the pair are held at angle as viewed along the optical axis. There may be plural pairs with a balanced arrangement in which the forces generated have no net component perpendicular to the optical axis and generate no net torque around any axis perpendicular to the optical axis. A control circuit controls heating of the SMA wire in response to a measure of its resistance.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.