Cone Shaped Focusing Lens for Optical Signal Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical systems in mobile devices face challenges in distinguishing between wanted and unwanted optical signals, particularly in environments with scattered light, and there is a need to limit bubbles during the molding process of optics in liquid form.
Innovation Solution
The optical assembly incorporates a lens assembly with a housing made of optically blocking material, a high aspect ratio lens design, and a wavelength selective solid optical member that guides on-axis light to the central detector area while directing off-axis light to peripheral areas, thereby reducing scattering and interference, and uses a bubble limiting apparatus to prevent air bubbles during molding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional lens design is used to collect optical signals, then the lens can capture a broad range of light, but it cannot effectively distinguish between wanted and unwanted optical signals, leading to scattering and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is segmented into multiple zones with different focal lengths - a first portion with a first focal length and a second portion with a second focal length. This segmentation allows different regions of the lens to focus light from different angular ranges to distinct locations on the detector, enabling the system to separate wanted on-axis signals from unwanted off-axis signals and thereby improve measurement precision while reducing harmful scattering effects
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the lens are assigned different optical properties - specifically, different focal lengths in different radial zones. The first portion of the lens has a first focal length optimized for on-axis signals, while the second portion has a second focal length for off-axis signals. This local differentiation of optical quality enables selective focusing that improves signal detection accuracy while minimizing interference from unwanted directions
2Ease of manufacture
If optics are molded in liquid form to achieve complex shapes, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but air bubbles are introduced during the molding process, compromising optical quality
Solution Approach 1:
The molding process incorporates preliminary actions to prevent bubble formation before they can compromise the optical quality. This includes designing the mold cavity and injection system to facilitate complete liquid filling without trapping air, and positioning the lens portions and detector assembly in advance to ensure proper alignment during curing. By addressing potential bubble issues before molding completion, the process maintains both manufacturing flexibility and optical precision
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
This configuration effectively collects desired optical signals while minimizing unwanted signals and prevents bubble formation during the molding process, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of optical detection in mobile devices.
Implementation Method 1
a wavelength selective solid optical member that guides on-axis light to a central area of the detector and directs off-axis light to peripheral areas of the detector
Implementation Method 2
lens assembly with a housing made of optically blocking material, a high aspect ratio lens design
Data Source
AI summary
An optical assembly can be used in various optical devices such as optical proximity sensors, gesture sensors, or imaging sensors. The optical assembly may include a lens assembly and a light detector. The lens assembly may be configured to limit off axis rays at a central area of the light detector. The lens assembly can be a high aspect ratio lens assembly.