Afocal Variator Optical System for Constant Magnification Focusing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional optical systems that incorporate variator optical systems to alter image size are unable to focus the image and are typically functional only at short back focal distances, with existing solutions requiring physical changes to the optical system or lens positions to alter focal length or magnification.

Innovation Solution

An afocal variator is positioned within the optical system to act as both a focusing element and maintain constant magnification throughout focal translation, utilizing a specific formula for lens spacing that includes a positive lens system, a central negative lens system, and another positive lens system, allowing the afocal variator to focus the system while maintaining essentially constant magnification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an afocal variator is used to alter image size, then magnification is changed, but the system cannot focus the image

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnification adjustmentVSAvoidfocusing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the afocal variator (for magnification adjustment) with a focal lens system (for focusing) into a single integrated optical system. The afocal variator and focal lens are positioned in specific spatial relationships, allowing the system to perform both magnification adjustment and focusing functions simultaneously without requiring separate devices or complex mechanical adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If traditional optical systems are used to focus images, then focusing is achieved, but the system is functional only at short back focal distances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocusing capabilityVSAvoidback focal distance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional short back focal distance configurations to a telecentric optical system architecture that enables long back focal distances. This dimensional change in the optical path arrangement allows the system to maintain focusing capability while extending the back focal distance to 10 feet or more, effectively adding spatial flexibility to the system design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If lens positions are changed to alter focal length, then focusing is achieved, but the optical system length must be physically changed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocusing capabilityVSAvoidoptical system length

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs movable lens elements within the focal lens system that can be dynamically adjusted to change focal length and achieve focusing. These movable components allow the system to maintain a fixed overall optical length while internally adjusting lens positions to vary focal length, enabling flexible focusing without changing the external dimensions of the optical system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If magnification is altered in traditional variator systems, then image size changes, but magnification is not maintained constant during focal translation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnification adjustmentVSAvoidmagnification constancy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements an optical design where the afocal variator and focal lens system work together to provide automatic magnification stabilization during focusing operations. The specific spatial arrangement and optical power relationships between components create a feedback mechanism that maintains constant magnification at the image plane even as the system transitions between different focus distances, eliminating the need for additional correction mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 optical systems to focus and maintain constant magnification without physically changing the optical system's length or lens positions, providing a novel arrangement that imparts variable internal focusing and active magnification maintenance during focal translation.

Implementation Method 1

an afocal variator which can be used in optical instruments, such as long-distance microscopes, as the mechanism for providing focus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS7869139B2Modular afocal variator optical system providing focus with constant magnification

Publication Date: 2011.01.11 INFINITY PHOTO OPTICAL CORPORATION

AI summary

The present invention provides optical systems containing an afocal variator able to impart focus means to the optical system, as well as essentially constant magnification throughout the focal translation. The present application teaches a specific formula or set of spacing requirements for the positioning of the afocal variator that can be used with any afocal variator optical lens system comprised of various lens combinations. Provided that the formula for spacing the afocal variator within the optical system is utilized, the afocal variator acts not only to focus the optical system but maintains substantially constant magnification during the translation of focus.