Compact Camera Lens Group with Nested Five-Lens Optical Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge is to design a camera lens group for portable electronic devices that balances a small form factor with a large field-of-view and high image quality, while accommodating multiple lenses within a limited space.

Innovation Solution

A camera lens group comprising five lenses with specific refractive powers and surface shapes, including concave and convex surfaces, is designed to optimize the size and field-of-view, with carefully configured center thicknesses and spaced intervals between lenses, allowing for a compact and efficient optical configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the number of lenses is increased to achieve large field-of-view and high image quality, then the optical performance is improved, but the front end size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidfront end size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested lens configuration where multiple lens groups are arranged in a compact sequence along the optical axis. The five lenses are positioned closely with minimized spacing, creating a nested structure that reduces the overall front end protrusion while maintaining multiple optical elements for high image quality and large field-of-view coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional lateral expansion of lens assemblies to axial compression by optimizing the spacing and positioning of five lenses along the optical axis. Through precise control of center thicknesses and inter-lens distances, the design achieves compact front end size in the longitudinal dimension while maintaining large field-of-view through optimized refractive power distribution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Length of moving object

If the lens assembly is compacted to reduce size, then the front end size is reduced, but the field-of-view angle decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefront end sizeVSAvoidfield-of-view angle

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves large field-of-view in a compact design by optimizing key parameters including the refractive powers of individual lenses, the ratio of center thickness to spacing intervals, and the curvature radii of lens surfaces. Specific parameter ranges are established to ensure that the compact five-lens assembly maintains wide angular coverage despite reduced physical dimensions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the lens assembly are optimized for specific functions: the first lens with its specific refractive power and surface curvature handles wide-angle light entry, while subsequent lenses with varying optical properties correct aberrations and focus light. This localized optimization ensures that each lens contributes to both the compact form factor and the large field-of-view performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Volume of stationary object

If the lens spacing is reduced to minimize module size, then the compactness is improved, but the image quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule sizeVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary optimization of lens spacing and positioning during the design phase, establishing specific distance relationships between the five lenses that pre-compensate for potential image quality degradation. The center thickness and spacing parameters are predetermined to ensure optimal optical performance while maintaining compact module size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical spacing adjustments with optimized optical design parameters. Instead of relying on physical distance to control image quality, the design uses precisely calculated refractive powers, curvature radii, and relative positioning of lenses to achieve both compactness and high image quality through optical rather than mechanical means

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 achieves an ultra-small front end, large field-of-view angle, and high image quality, effectively addressing the space constraints and performance requirements for portable electronic devices.