Variable-Curvature Autofocus Lens Group for Compact Zoom Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical imaging lens groups in portable electronic devices face challenges in achieving miniaturization while maintaining zoom functionality and high imaging quality, particularly due to the size and interference issues with mechanical zoom components.

Innovation Solution

An optical imaging lens group with a variable radius of curvature and aspherical surfaces, combined with an autofocus assembly that includes an optical filter, liquid material, and flexible film, allows for miniaturization and stable image quality through optimized refractive power distribution and focal length adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical zoom components are used to achieve zoom function, then zoom capability is improved, but device size increases and imaging quality deteriorates due to interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvezoom functionVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical zoom components with an optical imaging lens group that achieves zoom functionality through optical design. The lens group includes multiple lenses with specific focal lengths and arrangements that enable variable magnification without mechanical moving parts, thereby eliminating the size and interference problems associated with mechanical zoom while maintaining the zoom capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical zoom components are used to achieve zoom function, then zoom capability is improved, but imaging quality deteriorates due to interference from magnets and coils

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvezoom functionVSAvoidimaging quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical zoom components that contain magnets and coils, replacing them with a purely optical zoom mechanism. This substitution removes the source of electromagnetic interference that degrades imaging quality, while the optical design maintains the desired zoom functionality through lens arrangement and focal length variation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Volume of moving object

If optical imaging lens group is miniaturized to fit portable devices, then device compatibility is improved, but achieving zoom function and maintaining imaging quality becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens group sizeVSAvoidzoom function

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the optical system into multiple discrete lens elements (first lens, second lens, third lens, fourth lens, and subsequent lenses) with specific focal lengths and arrangement. This segmentation allows for compact packaging while maintaining the optical path length and focal characteristics necessary for zoom functionality. Each lens element contributes to the overall zoom capability through its specific optical properties and positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the lens group design by carefully controlling the axial distances between lens elements and their lateral positions. This dimensional optimization allows the lens group to achieve zoom functionality in a compact form factor by efficiently utilizing the available space in multiple dimensions, thereby maintaining imaging quality while reducing overall size for portable device integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Volume of moving object

If optical imaging lens group is miniaturized to fit portable devices, then device compatibility is improved, but maintaining imaging quality becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens group sizeVSAvoidimaging quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent assigns specific optical properties to each lens element in the group, including focal lengths, aperture values, and surface curvatures, optimized for their local position in the optical path. This local optimization ensures that each lens contributes maximally to image quality while the overall compact arrangement maintains small size. The aspherical surfaces of certain lenses further improve local quality by reducing aberrations in the miniaturized configuration.

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 optical imaging lens group with autofocus capability, achieving high imaging quality and a wide field-of-view, while reducing aberrations and improving processability.

Implementation Method 1

an autofocus assembly, a first lens, a second lens, a third lens, a fourth lens, and at least one subsequent lens, where a radius of curvature of an image-side surface of the autofocus assembly is variable

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLiquid crystal effect: Liquid Crystals

Data Source

PatentUS12523849B2Optical imaging lens group

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 ZHEJIANG SUNNY OPTICAL CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure discloses an optical imaging lens group, along an optical axis from an object side to an image side, sequentially includes: an autofocus assembly, a first lens, a second lens, a third lens, a fourth lens, and at least one subsequent lens, where, a radius of curvature of an image-side surface of the autofocus assembly is variable.