Complex Modular Afocal Variator with Aberration Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional optical systems using afocal variators cannot actively adjust focal length to focus images and often introduce spherical and chromatic aberrations, limiting their functionality and aperture size.

Innovation Solution

A complex modular afocal variator system (CMAV) is created by supplementing a modular afocal variator (MAV) with additional optics, including a fixed length housing, positive and negative lens systems, and a supplemental lens system of equal power, allowing for variable focusing and active correction of spherical and chromatic aberrations without altering the optical system's length or lens positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a modular afocal variator is used to change magnification, then image size can be adjusted, but the system cannot focus images and introduces spherical and chromatic aberrations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnification adjustmentVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The optical system is divided into distinct modules: the modular afocal variator (MAV) for magnification control, and a supplemental lens system for focusing and aberration correction. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specialized function independently while working together as an integrated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The supplemental lens system acts as an intermediary between the MAV and the image plane, providing the necessary focusing capability and aberration correction that the MAV alone cannot provide. This intermediary component enables the combination to achieve both magnification variability and image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional optical systems are used to focus images, then focusing capability is achieved, but the system length must be continuously or discretely changed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocusing capabilityVSAvoidoptical system length

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The central negative lens system within the MAV is made movable along the optical axis, allowing dynamic adjustment of the effective focal length without changing the physical length of the optical system. This dynamic element enables focusing while maintaining a compact, fixed-length structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes optical parameters (effective focal length, focus position) by moving the central negative lens system within the fixed-length housing, rather than changing the physical dimensions of the optical system. This allows focusing capability without altering the overall system length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the central negative lens system is moved to adjust focal length, then focusing is achieved, but spherical and chromatic aberrations are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocal length adjustmentVSAvoidspherical and chromatic aberration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The supplemental lens system is specifically designed to counteract the aberrations generated by the movable central negative lens system. By positioning the supplemental lenses at calculated distances from the MAV elements, the system converts the harmful aberrations into manageable characteristics that can be corrected by the supplemental optics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The supplemental lens system is pre-configured with specific optical powers and positions to provide anti-action against the aberrations that will be generated by the MAV. This preliminary design ensures that when the central lens moves to adjust focus, the supplemental lenses are already in position to correct the resulting spherical and chromatic aberrations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 CMAV system enables simultaneous magnification adjustment, variable internal focusing, and active correction of spherical and chromatic aberrations across a range of focal points, enhancing image quality and operational parameters without changing the optical system's dimensions or lens positions.

Implementation Method 1

a first positive lens system, a central negative lens system, and a second positive lens system in optical series disposed within the fixed length housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS9164266B2Complex modular afocal variator with spherical and chromatic aberration correction

Publication Date: 2015.10.20 INFINITY PHOTO OPTICAL CORPORATION

AI summary

The present invention provides a complex modular afocal variator in which a modular afocal variator is supplemented with additional optics to form a more complex, but still modular afocal variator system, that can impart internal focusing as well as active spherical and chromatic aberration corrective improvement.