Apple inc. (20240106305). Compact Multilayer Actuator Coils for Camera Modules of Portable Electronic Devices simplified abstract

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Compact Multilayer Actuator Coils for Camera Modules of Portable Electronic Devices

Organization Name

apple inc.

Inventor(s)

Ross A. Williams of Cupertino CA (US)

Nicholas D. Smyth of San Jose CA (US)

Jason T. Weaver of Morgan Hill CA (US)

Hiran R. Rathnasinghe of Lemon Grove CA (US)

Compact Multilayer Actuator Coils for Camera Modules of Portable Electronic Devices - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240106305 titled 'Compact Multilayer Actuator Coils for Camera Modules of Portable Electronic Devices

Simplified Explanation

The camera module for a portable electronic device described in the patent application includes an actuator assembly with at least one coil segment. The coil segment consists of a dielectric substrate with two surfaces, each having a trace forming a multi-turn coil. The coils on each side of the dielectric are conductively coupled to create a single inductor/coil. The coil segment can be encapsulated for pick-and-place and SMT manufacturing. The actuator assembly may include a stack of coil segments coupled together in series or parallel.

  • Dielectric substrate with two surfaces
  • Traces on each surface forming a multi-turn coil
  • Conductive coupling of coils on each side to create a single inductor/coil
  • Encapsulation for pick-and-place and SMT manufacturing
  • Actuator assembly with a stack of coil segments coupled in series or parallel

Potential Applications

The technology described in this patent application could be applied in various portable electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and digital cameras.

Problems Solved

This technology solves the problem of efficiently integrating a camera module into a portable electronic device by providing a compact and manufacturable actuator assembly with improved performance.

Benefits

The benefits of this technology include improved camera performance, space-saving design, ease of manufacturing, and potentially lower production costs.

Potential Commercial Applications

One potential commercial application of this technology is in the smartphone industry, where compact and high-performance camera modules are in high demand.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art for this technology could be the use of multi-turn coils in camera modules for electronic devices, but the specific design and construction of the actuator assembly described in the patent application may be novel.

Unanswered Questions

How does this technology compare to existing camera module designs in terms of performance and manufacturability?

The article does not provide a direct comparison with existing camera module designs, so it is unclear how this technology stacks up against current solutions in the market.

What are the potential challenges or limitations of implementing this technology in mass production?

The article does not address any potential challenges or limitations that may arise when implementing this technology in mass production, leaving room for further exploration of this aspect.


Original Abstract Submitted

a camera module for a portable electronic device includes an actuator assembly with at least one coil segment. the coil segment includes a dielectric substrate with two surfaces. over each surface is formed a trace that follows a path defining a multi-turn coil. the coils of each side of the dielectric are conductively coupled together to define a single inductor/coil. the two-layer coil segment can be encapsulated as a component suitable for pick-and-place and/or smt manufacturing. in many constructions, the actuator assembly includes a stack of coil segments, coupled together in series or parallel.