Imaging Lens Aperture with Conical Surfaces for Environmental Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical systems struggle to balance high image quality and compactness, often increasing in size due to complex structures required for functionalities like auto focus and optical zoom, and are susceptible to environmental conditions that cause optical element misalignment, degrading image quality.
Innovation Solution
An imaging lens system with conical surfaces on aperture and lens elements that align under different environmental conditions, maintaining alignment through temperature and humidity variations, using conical surfaces to restrict displacement and prevent mechanical interference, and incorporating anti-reflective structures to enhance image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional optical systems incorporate functionalities such as auto focus, optical image stabilization and optical zoom, then the functionality requirements are met, but the structure becomes more complex and the size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it controls the aperture for light regulation, provides alignment reference surfaces (first and second conical surfaces) for lens element positioning, and acts as a mechanical stop. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate alignment structures, thereby maintaining functionality while reducing structural complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional optical systems incorporate functionalities such as auto focus, optical image stabilization and optical zoom, then the functionality requirements are met, but the size of the camera modules and electronic devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment reference surfaces (first and second conical surfaces) are integrated directly into the aperture element structure rather than being separate components. This merging of alignment functionality into the existing aperture element reduces the overall number of parts and compactsthe camera module structure, thereby reducing size while maintaining functionality
3Manufacturing precision
If optical elements are designed for high precision alignment, then image quality is improved, but the system becomes susceptible to environmental conditions causing misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture element is designed with flexible contact surfaces that can adapt to thermal expansion and contraction of lens elements under different environmental conditions. The first and second conical surfaces provide dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the aperture element to maintain proper alignment with lens elements despite temperature and humidity variations, thereby maintaining both precision and reliability
4Volume of moving object
If conventional optical systems use simple structures, then the size is reduced, but they cannot maintain alignment under environmental changes
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture element incorporates distinct first and second conical surfaces that separately contact different lens elements (or the same lens element at different positions). This segmentation of the alignment function allows independent adjustment and compensation for misalignment caused by environmental changes, maintaining reliability without increasing overall system size
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
Maintains lens and aperture alignment despite environmental changes, improving image quality and resistance to external forces, while reducing system size and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
One side of the aperture element facing the first lens element includes a first conical surface, a second conical surface and a contact surface... When the imaging lens system is in a first environment condition, the first conical surface is in physical contact with the first lens element, the second conical surface is spaced apart from the first lens element, and the aperture is aligned with the optically effective region
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging lens system includes a lens element and an aperture element surrounding an imaging optical path and forming an aperture. The aperture element includes a first conical surface, a second conical surface and a contact surface. The first and second conical surfaces surround the imaging optical path. The contact surface is perpendicular to the imaging optical path and contacts the lens element. When the imaging lens system is in a first environment condition, the first conical surface is in contact with the lens element, the second conical surface is spaced apart from the lens element, and the aperture is aligned with the optically effective region. When the imaging lens system is in a second environment condition, the second conical surface is in contact with the lens element, the first conical surface is spaced apart from the lens element, and the aperture is aligned with the optically effective region.