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AppleGranted patentCameras & imagingInterest 3/10

Apple patents camera parts that use magnets to stay steady

Apple describes a camera system that uses a specific magnetic setup to keep moving parts stable. It involves a magnet and metal plates arranged at an angle to create a steady pulling force, which helps the lens move smoothly without wobbling.

Why it mattersThis design aims to improve the precision of camera movements, which could lead to sharper photos or smoother video stabilization in future devices.

In the filing’s own words

Various embodiments disclosed herein include bearing actuator arrangements, as well as cameras and devices that incorporate these bearing actuator arrangements. The bearing actuator arrangements described herein include a preloading arrangement configured to provide a magnetic preloading force between two components of the bearing actuator arrangement. The preloading assembly includes a magnet and a set of preloading plates positioned within a magnetic field of the magnet.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A camera comprising: an optical assembly comprising: an image sensor; and a lens assembly having one or more lens groups; and a bearing actuator arrangement configured to move at least one component of the optical assembly, wherein: the bearing actuator arrangement comprises a preloading arrangement configured to provide a magnetic preloading force between a first component of the bearing actuator arrangement and a second component of the bearing actuator arrangement; the preloading arrangement comprises: a magnet connected to the first component and having a magnetic field; and a set of preloading plates connected to the second component and positioned in the magnetic field; the magnet has a first surface facing the set of preloading plates and having a shape with a minor axis and major axis; and the set of preloading plates has a second surface that faces the first surface and includes at least a set of parallel edges positioned under the magnet, the set of parallel edges positioned at a non-zero angle relative to each of the minor axis and the major axis.

Facts

Company
Apple (Apple Inc.)
Official title
Camera systems with improved actuator stability
Patent number
US12732697B2
Application number
18622161
Filed
Mar 29, 2024
Granted
Sep 8, 2026
Inventors
4
Claims
17

Classified under

H04N 23/687 Electricity & electronicsG03B 3/10 Physics & computingH04N 23/54 Electricity & electronicsH04N 23/57 Electricity & electronics
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.