Adaptive Focus Lens Using Electromagnetic Haptic Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lenses have fixed focal properties, limiting their adaptability for vision correction and other applications, and there is a need for technologies that can dynamically adjust power, focal length, and light intensity.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a haptic capsule with a lens, which can be electromagnetically adjusted to change its curvature and thickness, using electromagnets to modify the refractive power and focal length, allowing for adaptive focal properties with low power consumption and quick adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed-focus lenses are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability for different vision correction needs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static, fixed-focus lens into a dynamic system where the haptic capsule can change its shape and position in response to electromagnetic signals. This allows the lens to adapt its focal properties dynamically, enabling multiple focal points and power adjustments within a single lens structure, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the physical state and geometric parameters of the haptic capsule through electromagnetic actuation. By changing the capsule's shape, position, and curvature parameters in response to applied electromagnetic fields, the lens achieves variable focal length and power, providing adaptability without requiring multiple separate lens elements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electromagnetic actuators are integrated into the lens, then adaptive focal adjustment capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using low-power electromagnetic actuators that provide just sufficient force to adjust the haptic capsule to the required focal position, rather than over-engineering the system with high-power motors. The electromagnets are sized and controlled to deliver only the minimum necessary actuation force, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining adaptive focal adjustment capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lens elements are displaced for zooming, then focal length adjustment is achieved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the zooming functionality from the traditional multi-element lens system and consolidates it into a single haptic capsule within one lens element. By removing the need for multiple separate lens elements and their associated mounting and actuation mechanisms, the system achieves focal length adjustment with reduced device complexity and smaller form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions (focusing, zooming, and power adjustment) into a single integrated lens element containing the haptic capsule. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate lens elements and their individual actuation systems, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive focal length adjustment capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables lenses to dynamically adjust their refractive power and focal length, providing enhanced adaptability for vision correction and other applications with reduced power requirements and rapid adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
electromagnetic energy is employed to modify the shape of a haptic associated with a lens... utilizing one or a plurality of electromagnets to compress or separate the end portions or other portions of a haptic. The electromechanical force from each electromagnet will alter the shape of the haptic
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are provided for adaptively focusing a lens. In one approach, electromagnetic energy is employed to modify a shape or thickness of a lens such that its refractive power and focal length are modified. In one aspect, a lens embodying adaptive focus features requires low power, and can be adjusted quickly. One or a plurality of electromagnets can be employed to compress or separate end portions of an embedded haptic, the force from which acts to alter the shape of the haptic, thus modifying the refractive power and focal length of a lens.