Aspheric Five-Lens Assembly for Compact High-Resolution Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical devices in portable and wearable electronic devices face challenges in achieving high-pixel performance while maintaining a compact size, due to the need for multiple lenses that increase device size and complexity, and the use of spherical lenses leads to high costs and feasibility issues.

Innovation Solution

A lens assembly comprising at least five lenses, including synthetic resin materials, with specific refractive powers and arrangements that satisfy certain formulas to minimize optical whole length and ensure high-pixel performance, using aspheric lenses to control aberrations and minimize flare.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If multiple lenses are combined to achieve low F-number and low aberration, then image quality and resolving power are improved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The optical system is divided into multiple lens units with different refractive powers (positive and negative lenses). Each lens unit is optimized to perform specific optical functions, allowing the system to achieve low aberration and low F-number while maintaining a compact overall structure through strategic arrangement of these segmented components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lens assembly employs a nested arrangement where multiple lenses are closely integrated along the optical axis. The patent describes a configuration where lenses are positioned in sequence with minimized spacing, creating a compact nested structure that reduces the overall optical path length while maintaining optical performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Measurement precision

If image sensor pixel count is increased to obtain high-resolution images, then image resolution is improved, but sensor size increases leading to larger device size

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidsensor size
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs parameter optimization in the lens design, including specific refractive indices, curvature radii, and thickness ratios that enable the optical system to focus light effectively onto high-pixel-density sensors. The formulas provided in the patent define specific parameter ranges that optimize the relationship between lens characteristics and sensor pixel density, allowing high-resolution imaging with compact sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If spherical lenses are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but aberration control and flare minimization are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens manufacturingVSAvoidaberration control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from spherical lens surfaces to aspheric surfaces. The aspheric lens elements feature curved surfaces that deviate from perfect spherical geometry, allowing for superior aberration control and flare minimization. The patent provides specific aspheric coefficient formulas that define the precise surface curvatures needed to achieve optimal optical performance while managing manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Length of stationary object

If at least five lenses with specific refractive powers are arranged to minimize optical whole length, then device compactness is improved, but optical system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical whole lengthVSAvoidoptical system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent assigns different local properties to different lens elements within the system. Each lens is given specific refractive power (positive or negative), curvature characteristics, and positional arrangement optimized for its local function in the optical path. This localized optimization of each lens element's properties allows the overall system to achieve compactness while managing complexity through functional specialization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

The solution enables a compact, high-pixel optical system with a wide field of view, reducing device size and cost, while maintaining image quality and aesthetic appeal, suitable for miniaturized electronic devices.

Implementation Method 1

a first lens from the object side may have a negative refractive power, a second lens from the object side may have a positive refractive power, and a first lens from the image side may have a negative refractive power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP4700452A1Lens assembly and electronic device comprising same
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4700452A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4700452A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4700452A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the provided electronic device comprises: a lens assembly in which at least five sheets of lenses are aligned in the optical axis direction from an object side to an image side, a first lens (L1) from the object side has a negative refractive power, a second lens (L2) from the object side has a positive refractive power, and the first lens from the image side has a negative refractive power; and an image sensor (IS) including an imaging surface (img) on which an image is formed. Additionally, a lens assembly and an electronic device comprising same, according to one embodiment, can be provided.