Camera Lens Actuators With Shape Memory Alloy Wires for Autofocus and Ball Bearing Suspension

A device, comprising:

• one or more processors;
• memory storing program instructions executable by the one or more processors to control operation of a camera;
• and
• the camera comprising:
• an optical assembly having one or more lenses defining an optical axis;
• an actuator assembly, wherein the actuator assembly comprises:
• a plurality of carriers, wherein respective carriers of the plurality of carriers are configured to allow movement of the optical assembly along respective axes of the optical axis, a first axis orthogonal to the optical axis, and a second axis orthogonal to the first axis and the optical axis;
• a plurality of ball bearings for the respective carriers, wherein respective ball bearings of the plurality of ball bearings are for allowing movement along the respective axes;
• and
• a plurality of actuators, wherein respective actuators of the plurality of actuators are configured to move the optical assembly, via the respective carriers, along the respective axes, wherein the plurality of actuators comprises one or more shape memory alloy (SMA) wires for moving the optical assembly, via at least one carrier of the plurality of carriers, along the optical axis for autofocus (AF).

An actuator assembly, comprising:

• a plurality of carriers, wherein respective carriers of the plurality of carriers are configured to allow movement of an optical assembly of a camera along respective axes of an optical axis, a first axis orthogonal to the optical axis, and a second axis orthogonal to the first axis and the optical axis;
• a plurality of ball bearings for the respective carriers, wherein respective ball bearings of the plurality of ball bearings are for allowing movement along the respective axes;
• and
• a plurality of actuators, wherein respective actuators of the plurality of actuators are configured to move the optical assembly, via the respective carriers, along the respective axes, wherein the plurality of actuators comprises one or more shape memory alloy (SMA) wires for moving the optical assembly, via at least one carrier of the plurality of carriers, along the optical axis for autofocus (AF).