Sensor shift structures in optical image stabilization suspensions

A suspension assembly is described. The suspension assembly including a static member or plate; a moving member or plate movable about an x-axis and a y-axis with respect to the static plate; a sensor mounting region on the moving plate; and one or more shape memory alloy (SMA) elements extending between and coupled to the static plate and moving plate. The SMA elements, when driven by a controller, move the moving plate and the sensor mounting region thereon about the x-axis and the y-axis with respect to the static plate.

FIELD

The invention relates generally to optical image stabilization (OIS) suspensions used in connection with cameras, including those incorporated into mobile devices such as phones and tablets.

BACKGROUND

Shape memory alloy (“SMA”) camera lens optical image stabilization (“OIS”) suspensions are generally known and disclosed, for example, in the Howarth U.S. Pat. No. 9,175,671, Miller U.S. Pat. No. 9,366,879, and Brown U.S. Pat. No. 9,479,699, the Ladwig U.S. Patent Application Publication 2016/0154251, Eddington U.S. Patent Application Publication 2015/0135703, and Howarth U.S. Patent Application Publication 2015/0346507, and the PCT International Application Publication Nos. WO 2014/083318 and WO 2013/175197, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties and for all purposes. Embodiments include a moving member mounted to a support member. A base can be mounted to the side of the support member opposite the moving member. OIS assemblies of these types have an image sensor mounted to the base or support member and a lens holder with an auto focus (“AF”) assembly or mechanism mounted to the moving member. SMA wires couple the moving member to the support member and are controlled by a controller. The SMA wires are driven to move the moving member about x-y axes with respect to the support member to stabilize the position of the image produced by the lens on the sensor against vibrations such as those that might be caused by movement of the user's hands.

There remains, however, a continuing need for improved OIS suspensions. OIS suspensions of these types that are highly functional, robust and efficient to manufacture would be particularly desirable.

SUMMARY

A suspension assembly is described. The suspension assembly including a static member or plate; a moving member or plate movable about an x-axis and a y-axis with respect to the static plate; a sensor mounting region on the moving plate; and one or more shape memory alloy (SMA) elements extending between and coupled to the static plate and moving plate. The SMA elements, when driven by a controller, move the moving plate and the sensor mounting region thereon about the x-axis and the y-axis with respect to the static plate.

Other features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description that follows.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention include optical image stabilization (OIS) suspensions having a static or support member or plate, a moving member or plate, and one or more shape memory alloy (SMA) elements or wires extending between the static and moving plates. An image sensor is mounted to the moving plate. Lens components such as a lens holder and optionally an auto focus (AF) assembly are fixedly mounted to or with respect to the static plate. The SMA wires can be driven by a controller to move the moving plate and image sensor thereon about x-y axes with respect to the static plate and lens components, and stabilize the position of the lens components and the image produced thereby on the sensor. The OIS suspension can thereby compensate for vibrations such as those that might be caused by movement of the user's hands. Suspensions of these types can be miniaturized, and used, for example, with camera lens and imaging systems incorporated into mobile phones, tablets and other devices.

Embodiments of the invention are described in the attached document entitled SMA OIS Sensor Shift Components, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes. Processes and structures of the type described in the patents identified above in the background section can be used in connection with these embodiments. Conventional additive deposition and/or subtractive processes such as wet (e.g., chemical) and dry (e.g., plasma) etching, electro plating and electroless plating and sputtering processes in connection with photolithography (e.g., use of patterned and/or unpatterned photoresist masks), as well as mechanical forming methods (e.g., using punches and forms) can be used to manufacture the OIS suspension components in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Additive and subtractive processes of these types are, for example, known and used in connection with the manufacture of disk drive head suspensions, and are disclosed generally in the following U.S. patents, all of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes: Bennin et al. U.S. Pat. No. 8,941,951 entitled Head Suspension Flexure with Integrated Strain Sensor and Sputtered Traces, Bennin et al. U.S. Pat. No. 8,885,299 entitled Low Resistance Ground Joints for Dual Stage Actuation Disk Drive Suspensions, Rice et al. U.S. Pat. No. 8,169,746 entitled Integrated Lead Suspension with Multiple Trace Configurations, Hentges et al. U.S. Pat. No. 8,144,430 entitled Multi-Layer Ground Plane Structures for Integrated Lead Suspensions, Hentges et al. U.S. Pat. No. 7,929,252 entitled Multi-Layer Ground Plane Structures for Integrated Lead Suspensions, Swanson et al. U.S. Pat. No. 7,388,733 entitled Method for Making Noble Metal Conductive Leads for Suspension Assemblies, Peltoma et al. U.S. Pat. No. 7,384,531 entitled Plated Ground Features for Integrated Lead Suspensions, and Evans et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,862,015 entitled Head Suspension with Resonance Feedback Transducer.

Although described in connection with certain embodiments, those of skill in the art will recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In particular, although features of embodiments are described individually or in connection with certain other features, features of the described embodiments can be combined with any or all features of other embodiments. By way of non-limiting examples, any or all embodiments of the described x/y flexible circuit/connector, thermal management and/or x/y position feedback concepts can be incorporated into or combined with any of the sensor shift mechanism concepts.

FIG. 1illustrates a sensor shift camera system including an optical image stabilization suspension assembly according to an embodiment. The sensor shift camera system100includes a lens stack assembly102mounted in an autofocus assembly104. The auto focus (“AF”) assembly104includes one or more lenses106a-dconfigured to focus an image on an image sensor108using techniques including those known in the art. The AF assembly104is mounted on a camera housing112.

The AF assembly104may be a voice coil magnet actuator (“VCM”) AF assembly or an SMA actuator AF assembly. A VCM AF assembly uses a voice coil magnet actuator to generate a motion in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the image sensor108, for example in the direction of the z-axis110of the sensor shift camera assembly101, to move one or more of lenses106a-dto focus an image on the image sensor108using techniques including those known in the art. An SMA actuator AF assembly uses SMA actuators to generate a motion in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the image sensor108, for example in the direction of the z-axis110of the sensor shift camera assembly100, to move one or more of lenses106a-dto focus an image on the image sensor108using techniques including those known in the art.

The image sensor108is attached to an optical image stabilization suspension assembly114. The optical image stabilization suspension assembly114is configured to move the image sensor118in a plane parallel to a longitudinal axis of the image sensor120, for example in directions of the x-axis and y-axis relative to the z-axis110of the sensor shift camera assembly100. Shifting the image sensor108in the x and y directions relative to the static lens stack assembly102provides for the use of longer SMA wires since the optical image stabilization suspension assembly114does not have to make room of the image rays. The benefit of using longer SMA wires is that a longer stroke is achieved which provides the ability for the optical image stabilization suspension assembly114to compensate for greater movement.

The optical image stabilization suspension assembly114, according to various embodiments, includes a static member124, which can also be referred to as a static plate and a moving member122, which can also be referred to as a moving plate. The moving member122is configured to receive the image sensor108. For example, the image sensor108is attached to the moving member122at a sensor mounting region on the moving member122. For some embodiments, the sensor mounting region is at or near the center of the moving member122. For various embodiments, the image sensor108is attached to the moving member such that the image sensor108is between the moving member122and the static member124in order to reduce height of the optical image stabilization suspension assembly114, which can reduce the overall height required for the sensor shift camera assembly100.

FIG. 2illustrates an exploded view of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly according to an embodiment. The optical image stabilization suspension assembly214is configured to have an image sensor208disposed on and attached to moving member222. The moving member222includes wire crimps204a,bfor attaching an SMA element such as SMA wires212a,bto the moving member222. The SMA wires212a,bare located between the moving member222and the static member224. The static member224includes wire crimps216a,bfor attaching SMA wires212a,bto the static member224. The static member224, according to some embodiments, also includes one or more slide bearings210a-d. Any number of slide bearings210a-dmay be used. Some embodiments include three slide bearings210a-d. The slide bearings210a-dcan be made from a low friction material to enable relative sliding between the moving member222and the slide member224. For some embodiments, the slide bearings210a-dare ball bearings with features formed on static member224to contain the ball bearings.

For various embodiments, any of the moving member wire crimps204a,band the static member wire crimps216a,bcan be offset from the respective moving member222and the static member224to put the SMA wires212a,bat different heights in between the static member224and the moving member222so that the SMA wires212a,bdo not touch. For another embodiment centering springs are used to work against the pull force of the SMA wires212a,band are configured to hold the moving member222down on the slide bearings210a-d.FIG. 3illustrates a perspective view of the optical image stabilization suspension assembly illustrated inFIG. 2. When the SMA wires212a,bare activated using techniques including those known in the art, movement of the moving member222in the directions of the x-axis and the y-axis is created. For some embodiments, different power is provided to each SMA wire212a,bto move the moving member222in the directions of the x-axis and the y-axis.

FIG. 4illustrates an exploded view of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly including centering springs according to an embodiment. The optical image stabilization suspension assembly is configured to have an image sensor408disposed on and attached to moving member422. The moving member422includes wire crimps404a,bfor attaching SMA wires412a,bto the moving member422. The SMA wires412a,bare located between the moving member422and the static member424. The static member424includes wire crimps416a,bfor attaching SMA wires412a,bto the static member424. The static member424, according to some embodiments, also includes one or more slide bearings410a-d, such as described herein. For various embodiments, any of the moving member wire crimps404a,band the static member wire crimps416a,bcan be offset from the respective moving member422and the static member424to put the SMA wires412a,bat different heights in between the static member224and the moving member222as described herein.

The moving member422includes centering springs430a,b, for example a first centering spring430aand a second centering spring430b. Other embodiments include a moving member422including four centering springs. The static member444includes centering springs432a,b, for example a first centering spring432aand a second centering spring432b. Other embodiments include a statc member422including four centering springs. The centering springs430a,band432a,bare used to work against the pull force of the SMA wires412a,band are configured to hold the moving member422down on the slide bearings410a-d.FIG. 5illustrates a perspective view of the optical image stabilization suspension assembly illustrated inFIG. 4. When the SMA wires412a,bare activated using techniques including those known in the art, movement of the moving member422in the directions of the x-axis and the y-axis is created.

FIG. 6illustrates a centering spring of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly according to an embodiment. The centering spring602includes a second formed spring arm604aaligned with the second direction of movement of a member, such as in the y-axis. The centering spring602also includes a second formed spring arm604baligned with the second direction of movement of the member, such as in the y-axis. According to various embodiments, the first formed spring arm604aand the second formed spring arm608bare 90 degree formed spring arm, such that the longitudinal axis of the first formed spring arm604aand the second formed spring arm604bform a 90 degree angle. The spring arms are formed integral with and formed from the same material as one of the moving member or the static member. Forming the first formed spring arm604aand the second formed spring arm604bas 90 degree formed spring arms aids in lowering the stiffness of the springs. The first formed spring arm604aand the second formed spring arm604bare coupled with each other through a unformed corner section608. The unformed corner section608is configured to provide clearance to the SMA wires attached to the wire crimps. The centering spring602also includes a spring foot606. The spring foot606is formed to attach to the adjacent member. For example, the spring foot606of a formed spring arm of the moving member is attached to the static member and the spring foot606of a formed spring of the static member is attached to the moving member.

FIG. 7illustrates an exploded view of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly including 4 SMA wires according to an embodiment. The optical image stabilization suspension assembly is configured to have an image sensor708disposed on and attached to moving member722. The moving member722includes wire crimps704a-dfor attaching SMA wires712a-dto the moving member722. The SMA wires712a-dare located between the moving member722and the static member724. The static member724includes wire crimps716a-dfor attaching SMA wires712a-dto the static member724. The SMA wires712a-dare configured to be oriented in a cross but offset parallel from each other and wire crimps are in each corner of each of the moving member722and the static member724. Two parallel SMA wires running from a first corner to a second corner of the optical image stabilization suspension assembly and attached to the respective crimps, one to the static crimp and one to the moving crimp. Each wire of a pair is configured to provide opposing direction motion when activated. This removes the need to rely on centering springs to pull the optical image stabilization suspension assembly back to a center position. The SMA wires712a-dare configured to pull against each other. A bias in pull force would cause the motion and if you want to move the optical image stabilization suspension assembly back to a center potion the activation bias of the SMA wire712a-dis the changed to the inverse of the other. The static member724, according to some embodiments, also includes one or more slide bearings710a-d, such as described herein. For various embodiments, any of the moving member wire crimps704a-dand the static member wire crimps716a-dcan be offset from the respective moving member722and the static member724to put the SMA wires712a-dat different heights in between the static member724and the moving member722as described herein.FIG. 8illustrates a perspective view of the optical image stabilization suspension assembly illustrated inFIG. 7. When the SMA wires712a-dare activated using techniques including those known in the art, movement of the moving member722in the directions of the x-axis and the y-axis is created.

FIG. 9illustrates an exploded view of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly including looped SMA wire according to an embodiment. The optical image stabilization suspension assembly is configured to have an image sensor908disposed on and attached to moving member922. The moving member922includes wire crimps904a,bfor attaching SMA wires912a,bto the moving member922. The SMA wires912a,bare located between the moving member922and the static member924. The static member924includes wire crimps916a,bfor attaching SMA wires912a,bto the static member924. The static member924, according to some embodiments, also includes one or more slide bearings910a-d, such as described herein. According to various embodiments, each slide bearings910a-dis configured with a pulley feature. For some embodiments, the pulley features are separate from one or more of the slide bearings910a-d. The pulley features are configured to allow one or more SMA wires912a,bwrapped around or engage a pulley feature, also referred to herein as a pin feature, to freely slide around the pulley features. The pulley features can be arranged in any configuration to generate movement in the moving plate922. The pulley features separate from the slide bearings can be attached to a member using adhesive, welding, and other techniques known in the art.

For various embodiments, any of the moving member wire crimps904a,band the static member wire crimps916a,bcan be offset from the respective moving member922and the static member924to put the SMA wires912a,bat different heights in between the static member924and the moving member922as described herein. Other embodiments are configured with centering springs such as those described herein. Various embodiments may also include 4 SMA wires and 8 wire crimps such as those described herein.FIG. 10illustrates a perspective view of the optical image stabilization suspension assembly illustrated inFIG. 9. When the SMA wires912a,bare activated using techniques including those known in the art, movement of the moving member922in the directions of the x-axis and the y-axis is created.

FIGS. 11aandbillustrate looped SMA wire configurations for optical image stabilization suspension assembly according to some embodiments.FIG. 11afour pulley features1102a-dwith 2 SMA wires1112a,b. A first end of a first SMA wire1112ais attached to a first wire crimp1116aon a static member, also referred to as a static crimp. The first SMA wire1112ais wrapped around a first pulley feature1102aon the static member and a second pulley feature1102bon the static member (each of which are also referred to as a static pulley feature). The second end of the first SMA wire1112ais attached to a second wire crimp1116bon the moving member, also referred to as a moving crimp. This configuration results in a pull motion when the SMA wire1112ais activated using techniques such as those known in the art including applying a voltage, a current, or heat to the SMA wire.

A first end of a second SMA wire1112bis attached to a second wire crimp1116con the static member, also referred to as a static crimp. The second SMA wire1112bis wrapped around a third pulley feature1102con the static member (also referred to as a static pulley feature) and a fourth pulley feature1102don the moving member (also referred to as a moving pulley feature). The second end of the second SMA wire1112bis attached to a second wire crimp1116don the moving member, also referred to as a moving crimp. This configuration results in a push motion when the SMA wire1112ais activated using techniques such as those known in the art including applying a voltage, a current, or heat to the SMA wire.

FIG. 11billustrates a two pulley features1104a,bwith 2 SMA wires1114a,b. A first end of a first SMA wire1114ais attached to a first wire crimp1118aon a static member, also referred to as a static crimp. The first SMA wire1114ais wrapped around a first pulley feature1104aon the static member (also referred to as a static pulley feature). The second end of the first SMA wire1114ais attached to a second wire crimp1118bon the moving member, also referred to as a moving crimp. This configuration results in a push motion when the SMA wire1114ais activated using techniques such as those known in the art including applying a voltage, a current, or heat to the SMA wire.

A first end of a second SMA wire1114bis attached to a second wire crimp1118con the static member, also referred to as a static crimp. The second SMA wire1114bis wrapped around a second pulley feature1104bon the moving member (also referred to as a moving pulley feature). The second end of the second SMA wire1114bis attached to a second wire crimp1118don the moving member, also referred to as a moving crimp. This configuration results in a pull motion when the SMA wire1114bis activated using techniques such as those known in the art including applying a voltage, a current, or heat to the SMA wire.

One or more of the SMA wire and pulley feature configurations illustrated inFIGS. 11aandbcan be used optical image stabilization suspension assembly according to some embodiments to move a moving member in directions along the longitudinal axis and the latitudinal axis, for example in directions of an x-axis and a y-axis. Thus, an image sensor mounted to the moving member can be moved to offset any external force resulting in movement of a camera system that included the optical image stabilization suspension assembly.

FIG. 12illustrates a cross section of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly according to an embodiment. The optical image stabilization suspension assembly is configured to have an image sensor disposed on and attached to moving member1222. The moving member1222includes wire crimps1204a,bfor attaching SMA wires1212a,bto the moving member1222. The SMA wires1212a,bare located between the moving member1222and the static member1224. The static member1224includes wire crimps1216a,bfor attaching SMA wires1212a,bto the static member1224. The static member1224, according to some embodiments, also includes one or more slide bearings1210as described herein. Any number of slide bearings1210may be used and any configuration.

As described herein, one or more of the moving member wire crimps1204a,band the static member wire crimps1216a,bcan be offset from either one of or both of the respective moving member1222and the static member1224to put the SMA wires1212a,bat different heights or z-axis offsets in between the static member1224and the moving member1222so that the SMA wires1212a,bdo not touch. As illustrated in the cross section ofFIG. 12, a first wire crimp1204aon the moving member1222is formed to have an offset from the second wire crimp1204bon the moving member1222in an axis perpendicular to the face1230of the moving member1222, for example an offset in the direction of a z-axis. The offset in the wire crimps1204a,bresults in an wire offset1240of the SMA wires1212a,b. This offset can be used to prevent SMA wires1212a,bfrom interfering with each other during activation of one or both of the SMA wires1212a,b.

FIG. 13illustrates optical image stabilization suspension assembly implemented as a square wire sensor assembly according to an embodiment. The optical image stabilization suspension assembly is configured to have an image sensor1308disposed on and attached to moving member1322. The moving member1322includes wire crimps1304a-dfor attaching SMA wires1312a-dto the moving member1322. The SMA wires1312a-dare located between the moving member1322and the static member1324. The static member1324includes wire crimps1316a-dfor attaching SMA wires1312a-dto the static member1324. The static member1324, according to some embodiments, also includes one or more slide bearings1310a-c. Any number of slide bearings1310a-cmay be used. Some embodiments include three slide bearings1310a-c. The slide bearings1310a-ccan be made from a low friction material to better enable relative sliding between the moving member1322and the slide member1324. For some embodiments, the slide bearings1310a-care ball bearings with features formed on static member1324to contain the ball bearings.

The square wire sensor assembly is configured to have, according to various embodiments, the four SMA wires1312a-dmounted on the perimeter of the square wire sensor assembly. The four SMA wires1312a-dpull against each other to return the moving member1322to a center position. Having the SMA wires1312a-dmounted on the perimeter allows the moving member1322to sit closer to the static member1324than optical image stabilization suspension assemblies that have the SMA wires between the moving member and the static member. Thus, a thinner camera profile can be achieved. Further, for some embodiments the center portion1342of the moving member1322is configured to fit within a void1344within the static member1324, also referred to as a z-height space (e.g., is in a recess or pocket in the moving member). Some embodiments of the square wire sensor assembly may include an optional base member1340. For such embodiments, the center portion1342may be configured to fit within a void1346formed within the base member1340.

The square wire sensor assembly, according to some embodiments, optionally include spring arms1348a,b. Spring arms1348a,bare formed on the moving member1322and are configured aid in the centering of the moving member1322and can also be configured to hold the moving member1342against the slide bearings1310a-c. For example, the spring arms1348a,bare configured to aid in moving the moving member to the center position of the square wire sensor assembly when the SMA wires1312a-dare not activated. For an embodiment, the spring arms1348a,binclude a arcute portion and are configured to extend between the moving member1342and the static member1344.

FIG. 14illustrates a perspective view of the optical image stabilization suspension assembly illustrated inFIG. 13. When the SMA wires1312a-dare activated using techniques including those known in the art, movement of the moving member1322in the directions of the x-axis and the y-axis is created. For some embodiments, a different power is provided to each parallel pair of SMA wire212a-dto move the member1322in the directions of the x-axis and the y-axis.

FIG. 15illustrates optical image stabilization suspension assembly implemented as a bow style sensor assembly according to an embodiment. The optical image stabilization suspension assembly is configured to have an image sensor1508disposed on and attached to moving member1522. The moving member1522includes pin features1504a-d, also referred herein as pulley features, located on the outside corners of the moving member1522. The pin features1504a-dare configured to have at least one of four SMA wires1512a-dwrapped around a pin feature1504a-d. The SMA wires1512a-dare located on the perimeter of the static member1524. The static member1524includes eight wire crimps1516a-hfor attaching the four SMA wires1512a-dbetween the wire crimps1516a-h. The static member1524, according to some embodiments, also includes one or more slide bearings1510a-d. Any number of slide bearings1510a-dmay be used. Some embodiments include three slide bearings1510a-d. The slide bearings1510a-ccan be made from a low friction material to better enable relative sliding between the moving member1522and the slide member1524. For some embodiments, the slide bearings1510a-dare ball bearings with features formed on static member1524to contain the ball bearings.

The bow style sensor assembly is configured to have, according to various embodiments, the four SMA wires1512a-dmounted on the perimeter of the bow style sensor assembly. The four SMA wires1512a-dpull against each other to return the moving member1522to a center position. Having the SMA wires1512a-dmounted on the perimeter allows the moving member1522to sit closer to the static member1524than optical image stabilization suspension assemblies that have the SMA wires between the moving member and the static member. Thus, a thinner camera profile can be achieved.

FIG. 16illustrates a perspective view of the bow style sensor assembly illustrated inFIG. 15. When the SMA wires1512a-dare activated using techniques including those known in the art, movement of the moving member1522in the directions of the x-axis and the y-axis is created. According to some embodiments, when an SMA wire1512a-dis activated and contracts, the SMA wire1512a-dapplies a normal force to the pin feature it is wrapped around. Varied amounts of applied force between the 4 SMA wires1512a-dacting on the respective pin feature1504a-dthe SMA wire is wrapped around is used to move the moving member1522in the directions of the x-axis and the y-axis. Having the SMA wires1512a-dwrap around a respective pin feature1504a-dincreases the SMA wires1512a-dlength which increases the stroke. As the SMA wires1512a-dshrinks in length when the wires are activated the moving plate will move an increased amount of distance because of the increase in the stroke.

FIG. 17illustrates optical image stabilization suspension assembly implemented as bimetallic actuator according to an embodiment. The optical image stabilization suspension assembly is configured to have an image sensor disposed on and attached to moving member1722. The moving member1722includes spring arms1704a-dlocated on the outside of the moving member1722. The spring arms1704a-d, according to various embodiments, are coupled with the moving member1722through a respective strut1706a-d. An SMA element such as SMA material1708a-dis applied to each of the spring arms1704a-d. The SMA material1708a-dis attached to the spring arms1704a-dusing adhesive, solder, laser welding, resistance welding, and other techniques including those known in the art. For some embodiments that include spring arms1704a-dformed of conductive material such as stainless steel, the SMA material1708a-dis disposed on an insulation layer formed on the spring arms1704a-dusing techniques including those known in the art. For other embodiments, the SMA material can be electrically and structurally attached to the spring arm at only the ends of the SMA material and free in the center region of the SMA material from the spring arm. Being free in the center region provides the SMA material to pull straight during actuation while the spring arm will bend in an arc. The spring arm can contain an electrical circuit for driving power through the SMA material for actuation, also referred to as activation.

The SMA material1708a-dcan be applied to either side of a spring arm1704a-d, that is, on the side of the spring arm1704a-dfacing towards the moving member1722or the face of the spring arm1704a-dfacing away from the moving member1722. For some embodiments, SMA material1708a-dis applied to both sides of a spring arm1704a-d.

The SMA material1708a-dwill bend the spring arm1704a-dwhen heated resulting in movement of the moving member1722in the directions of the x-axis and y-axis. A controller can be used to apply coordinated power to the SMA material one one or more of the spring arms1704a-dto provide full motion in the x-axis and the y-axis of the moving member1722.FIG. 18illustrates exemplary movement of SMA material when the SMA material is heated and passes from a cold state to a hot state then back to a cold state using techniques known in the art. For example, the SMA material1704a-dcan be heated with an electrical current.

The spring arms1704a-dalso include static feet1710a-d. The static feet1710a-dare configured to attach to a static member such that the moving member1722moves relative to the static member when the SMA material1704a-dis activated.

FIG. 19illustrates an optical image stabilization suspension assembly implemented as bimetallic actuator according to an embodiment. Similar to the bimetallic actuator as described in reference toFIG. 17, the bimetallic actuator includes four spring arms that are formed at 90 degrees from one another. This reduces its stiffness in the direction of the x-axis and the y-axis for low resistance to movement in the direction of the x-axis and the y-axis and give a high stiffness in the direction of an axis perpendicular to the moving member1922, the z-axis. For various embodiments, the spring arms are formed to be wide. This wide spring arm provides for many trances to be formed on top of the spring arms. Form some embodiments, each spring arm includes 8 traces and 8 static electrical pads at the end of each spring arm for a total of 32 traces. However, any number of traces and electrical pads may be formed on the spring arm traces. For some embodiments, the traces are routed toward the center of the moving member1922to connect to an image sensor.FIG. 19illustrates spring arms a continuously formed 90 degree section. Other embodiments include spring arms formed of multiple sections of 90 degree formed sections separated by unformed sections along a working length of the spring arms.FIG. 20illustrates a bimetallic actuator according to an embodiment in a flat, preformed state. The bimetallic actuator is similar to the bimetallic actuators described in reference toFIGS. 17 and 19. The final form of the bimetallic actuator is formed from the flat state to form bimetallic actuators such as those illustrated inFIGS. 17 and 19.

FIG. 21illustrates half barrel roll interposer for an optical image stabilization suspension assembly according to an embodiment. The half barrel roll interposer, according to some embodiments, is integrated into a moving member, such as those described herein. For other embodiments, the half barrel roll interposer is a separate component from a moving member and configured to attach to a moving member. The half barrel roll interposer includes one or more flexible circuits each with multiple traces that protrude off the side and are bent 180 degrees. The 180 degree bend makes the moving member flexible to move in the directions along the x-axis and the y-axis. For some embodiments, the 180 degree bend form line can be a 45 degree angle relative to the x and y axis. This would provide low and even resistance in movement in both the x and y axis. The circuit traces on the flexible circuits are connected to pads that are located around the image sensor on top of the half barrel roll interposer. The flexible circuits are configured to roll and twist during movement in the direction of the x and y axis. The flexible circuits include pads to connect to a static circuit below the half barrel roll interposer. Further, SMA wire and spring arms, such as those described herein, can be incorporated into the half barrel roll interposer.FIG. 22illustrates a half barrel roll interposer in a flat state prior to being formed into the final state of the half barrel roll interposer such as that illustrated inFIG. 21.

FIG. 23illustrates an interposer including a 45 degree angled bend for an optical image stabilization suspension assembly according to an embodiment. The interposer includes four flexible circuits, such as those described herein, that protrude off one side. The flexible circuits are formed at a 45 degree form line relative to the x axis and y axis in the plane of the moving member. For some embodiments, the flexible circuit has a reduced thickness of the flexible circuit in a bend region to further reduce the stiffness in the x-axis and the y-axis that provide easier movement in the direction of the x-axis and the y-axis.FIG. 24illustrates an interposer including a 45 degree angled bend for an optical image stabilization suspension assembly according to an embodiment having flexible circuits, such as those described herein, protruding off 4 sides of the interposer. Interposers can be configured to have flexible circuits protrude off one to four sides of the interposer.FIG. 25illustrates interposer having flexible circuits protruding off 4 sides of the interposer in a flat state prior to being formed into the final state of the interposer such as that illustrated inFIG. 24.

FIG. 26illustrates a bottom side of a moving member including heat sink features of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly according to an embodiment. The heat sink features2502are located under the area where an image sensor2508is attached to the moving member2522and configured to aid in the removal of heat from the area around the image sensor2508. The heat sink features2502can be created by metal etching or stamping grooves of various designs. Heat sing features may also include separate high conductivity materials that are attached to the bottom side of a moving member with conductive adhesives or solder. Highly conductive plating metals can be to the top and/or bottom side of the moving member on which the image sensor is attached. For some embodiments, vias can be formed into the moving members so highly conductive plating metals can more efficiently conduct heat from the top side to the bottom side heat sink features.FIG. 27illustrates a cross sectional view from the bottom of a moving member including heat sink features of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly according to an embodiment.FIG. 28illustrates a cross sectional view from the top of a moving member including heat sink features and conductive plating2510of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly according to an embodiment. The conductive plating2510can be gold, nickel, copper, or other material that helps to conduct heat from the image sensor2508. In addition to the heat sing features, according to some embodiments, the moving member2522includes vias formed in the moving member2522so conductive plating2510can more efficiently conduct heat from the top side to the bottom side heat sink features2502.

FIG. 29illustrates a moving member of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly according to an embodiment including vias and conductive plating. Vias2802are formed in a the base metal of a moving member2822of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly to create a heat path away from an image sensor2808. For some embodiments, the vias2802are formed under the location of the image sensor2808. The conductive plating2810is disposed on the top and bottom sides of the moving member2822and within the vias2802to form a heat path away from the image sensor2808.

FIG. 30illustrates an optical image stabilization suspension assembly according to an embodiment including one or more hall sensors. The optical image stabilization suspension assembly includes a moving member2922and a static member2924configured to move an image sensor2908using techniques including those described herein. The optical image stabilization suspension assembly also includes one or more hall sensors2904placed on the moving member2922. One or more magnets2906are placed on the static member2924near a respective hall sensor2904. For some embodiments, the hall sensors2904are located on the moving member2922near magnets used in an autofocus assembly. Other embodiments include one or more hall sensors attached to the static member2924and one or more magnets attached to the moving member2922. The position of the moving member2922in relation the static member2924is determined by sensing changes in the strength of the magnetic field generated by the one or more magnets2906using the one or more hall sensors2904using techniques including those known in the art.

FIG. 31illustrates an exploded view of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly according to an embodiment including one or more capacitance probes as a movement sensor. The optical image stabilization suspension assembly includes a moving member3022and a static member3024configured to move an image sensor3008using techniques including those described herein. The optical image stabilization suspension assembly also includes one or more capacitance probes. The capacitance probe having a first portion3004formed on the moving member3022and a second portion3006formed on the static member3024. The first portion3004and the second portion3006of the capacitive probe are formed of a conductive material such as copper and gold plated. The first portion3004and the second portion3006can be circular, rectangular, or triangular shape. The shapes can be designed to increase the amount of capacitance change seen when the moving member3022moves in one direction verses the other direction. So, one capacitance probe can be designed to only sense motion along an x-axis and the other capacitance probe can sense motion along a y-axis. Motion is determined by creating a change in overlapping area between the first portion3004and the second portion3006. For example, more capacitance means the moving member3022moved in one direction in relation to the static member3024. Less capacitance, as illustrated inFIG. 32, means the moving member3022moved in an opposite direction with respect to the static member3024. As illustrated inFIG. 33, when the area of overlap of the first portion3004and the3006is the same for each capacitor probe, the capacitance with be about the same indicating that nominal or center position of the optical image stabilization suspension assembly.

According to embodiments, electrical leads or traces are connected to the first portion3004and the second portion3006of the capacitance probe using flexible circuits or connectors. The distance between the moving member3022and the static member3024can be adjusted for a desired nominal capacitance value. Reduced distance between the 2 plates of the capacitor probe will give a higher capacitance. This distance will then be held constant as the moving member3022moves in the direction of the x-axis and the y-axis.

FIG. 34illustrates an optical image stabilization suspension assembly according to an embodiment including a strain gage as a movement sensor. The optical image stabilization suspension assembly includes a moving member3322including spring arms according to embodiments described herein configured to move an image sensor using techniques including those described herein. The optical image stabilization suspension assembly includes one or more strain gage sensors3304attached to one or more of the spring arms. For some embodiments, a strain gage sensor3304is attached to a high stress region of a spring arm. When the moving member3322moves the spring arms will have strain that can be measured by a strain gage attached to it or built on top of it. By reading the various amounts of strain from multiple gages, full x/y position can be determined, for example using a controller with an algorithm. Such a strain gage sensor3322includes those similar to and manufactured by processes such as those described in Bennin et al. U.S. Pat. No. 8,941,951 and Evans et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,862,015.

Another implementation of a movement sensor includes a feedback position sensor using lens fiducial with image controller tracking algorithm. According to some embodiments, the lens is static in the direction of the x-axis and the y-axis. A mark or fiducial is formed on one of the lens of the camera system that can be seen by the image sensor. For example, the fiducial can be on the far edges of a lens and therefore far edges of the image circle on the image sensor and in an area of the image that is cropped off of the saved picture. Another example includes having a fiducial on structure in the camera system other than on the lens that is within the sensing range of the image sensor. The camera's controller is configured to track the position of the one or more fiducials to determine which pixel of the sensor it is using. The position of one or more fiducials would feedback to through the controller to the optical image stabilization suspension assembly to move the assembly to make position corrections.

FIG. 35illustrates an exploded view of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly implemented as a bimetallic actuator according to an embodiment. Such an bimetallic actuator is an integrated SMA Bimorph X/Y actuator with sensor shift traces as a movement sensor. As illustrated inFIG. 35, the integrated SMA Bimorph X/Y actuator includes 2 SMA actuators3502in each corner of the integrated SMA bimorpth X/Y actuator3504. The integrated SMA bimorph X/Y actuator3504is configured to rest on one or more slide bearings3510on a base member3524. Any number of slide bearings3510may be used. Some embodiments include three slide bearings3510. The slide bearings3510can be made from a low friction material to better enable relative sliding between the integrated SMA bimorpth X/Y actuator3504and the base member3524. For some embodiments, the slide bearings3510are ball bearings with features formed on base member3524to contain the ball bearings.FIG. 36illustrates a perspective view of the an optical image stabilization suspension assembly implemented as a bimetallic actuator illustrated inFIG. 35.

FIG. 37illustrates a section of the bimetallic actuator according to an embodiment including bimorph actuators3504on the inner rails, flexible trace routing3506on the outer rails, and movement sensors such as those described herein. The trace routing3506is configured to transmit electrical signals to components including activation signals to the bimorph actuators3504. The pair of bimorph actuators3504in each corner of the integrated SMA bimorph X/Y actuator3504are formed using SMA material that when activated using techniques described herein create a moving portion3602as illustrate inFIG. 38.FIG. 38illustrates a top view of the bimetallic actuator according to an embodiment which includes the moving portion3602and a fixed portion3604. The fixed portion is attached to the base member3524. The fixed portion3604is attached to the base member3524by techniques including, but not limited, to adhesive and solder. Thus, the moving portion3602is configured to move in the direction of the x-axis and the y-axis relative to the fixed portion3604and the base member3524. Further, a movement sensor such as those described herein is also integrated into integrated SMA bimorph X/Y actuator3504.FIG. 39illustrates layout patterns for forming the integrated SMA bimorpth X/Y actuator using etching and deposition techniques including those known in the art.

FIG. 40illustrates an exploded view of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly implemented as an integrated SMA actuator assembly according to an embodiment. The integrated SMA actuator assembly includes wire crimps, traces, and a sensor using techniques described herein integrated in to the SMA actuator member4022. The optical image stabilization suspension assembly is configured to have an image sensor disposed on and attached to SMA actuator member4022. The SMA actuator member4022includes wire crimps4004for attaching four SMA wires4012to the SMA actuator member4022using techniques including those described herein. According to some embodiments, wire crimps4004are configured as a one or more crimp sub-assemblies, where each crimp sub-assembly includes a static and a moving crimp. The SMA actuator member4022is configured to attach to a base member4024. The base member4024, according to some embodiments, also includes one or more slide bearings4010as described herein. Any number of slide bearings4010may be used and any configuration.

FIG. 41illustrates a perspective view of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly implemented as an integrated SMA actuator assembly as illustrated inFIG. 40. The SMA actuator member4022includes trace termination pads on opposing sides of the SMA actuator member4022for providing electrical signals via traces on the member.FIG. 42illustrates a perspective view of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly implemented as an integrated SMA actuator assembly according to an embodiment. The SMA actuator includes trace rails4220formed on spring arms configured to center the SMA actuator using techniques including these described herein. The trace rails4220for some embodiments include 16 traces on each of the 2 spring arms.FIG. 43illustrates a side view of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly implemented as an integrated SMA actuator assembly according to an embodiment. The trace rails4220, according to some embodiments are formed at 90 degree angle to reduce the stiffness in the direction of the x-axis and the y-axis.FIG. 44illustrates a cross section of an optical image stabilization suspension assembly implemented as an integrated SMA actuator assembly according to an embodiment. The integrated SMA actuator includes a moving portion4006and a fixed portion4008. The fixed portion4008is attached to the base member4024. The fixed portion4008is attached to the base member4024by techniques including, but not limited, to adhesive and solder. Thus, the moving portion4006is configured to move in the direction of the x-axis and the y-axis relative to the fixed portion4008and the base member4024. Further, a movement sensor such as those described herein is also integrated into integrated actuator.

Although the invention has been described with reference to different embodiments, those of skill in the art will recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, although described as dual camera assemblies, other embodiments of the invention are configured for three or more cameras. Features of the different illustrated embodiments can be combined with one another in still other embodiments. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.