Abstract: Systems and methods to achieve an auto-focus camera module having a precise bearing with low friction have been disclosed. Ball bearings are guiding a lens barrel. The balls of the ball bearings are running in guide slots and are held together by ball cages. Creeping of the balls is prevented by a positioning pin being deployed between a fixed part of a carrier of the camera module and a movable part of the lens barrel.

Abstract: Systems and methods to achieve an auto-focus camera module having a retention system with low friction have been disclosed. A magnetic retention system holds the carrier of the camera module, the ball bearings, and the movable lens barrel together. In case of a major mechanical shock the force of the magnetic retention system may not be sufficient to hold the parts together. Therefore a hook, which is deployed on a fixed part of the carrier of the camera module, is introduced in order to hold the parts together when a mechanical shock occurs. The hook does only engage in the movable lens barrel in a shock condition, the hook does not touch the lens barrel under normal operation conditions, hence not causing any friction if no shock occurs.

Abstract: Systems and methods for camera modules having a movable lens barrel, allowing a maximum lens diameter with minimal outside dimensions are disclosed. At least two actuators are moving the lens barrel. Each actuator is deployed in a separate corner of the camera module. In a first embodiment of the invention two actuators are deployed on a same side of the camera module having ball bearings between them. In a second embodiment two actuators are diagonally deployed having guiding rods deployed on the other corners of the camera module.

Abstract: Systems and methods to achieve an auto-focus camera module having a precise bearing with low friction have been disclosed. Ball bearings are guiding a lens barrel. The balls of the ball bearings are running in guide slots and are held together by ball cages. Creeping of the balls is prevented by a positioning pin being deployed between a fixed part of a carrier of the camera module and a movable part of the lens barrel.