Adaptive Deformable Lens Actuation for Gravity-Resistant Focusing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adaptive optical devices are limited by gravity-induced deformations, small size, high cost, and complex actuator mechanisms, which restrict their ability to achieve large adjustments and maintain optical quality.
Innovation Solution
A deformable lens design featuring elongated, flexible membranes with actuator means that allow for significant curvature variation, including stiffening strips to prevent deformation and maintain optical precision, enabling large focal adjustments without aberrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the diameter of the membrane is increased to achieve large aperture, then the aperture area is improved, but gravity causes greater deformation and optical aberrations worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the optical fluid from liquid to gas phase, utilizing the different density and gravitational effects. The gas phase optical fluid reduces gravity-induced deformation while maintaining the necessary optical properties for large aperture operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining a rigid support wall, flexible membrane, and gas-phase optical fluid. This composite system allows the membrane to maintain its shape against gravitational forces while enabling large aperture operation without significant aberrations
2Adaptability or versatility
If the membrane is made more flexible to achieve greater curvature variation, then the adaptability is improved, but the membrane becomes more susceptible to gravity-induced deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase change of the optical fluid to achieve both high flexibility and stability. In the gas phase, the optical fluid provides flexibility for curvature variation while maintaining stability against gravitational deformation due to lower density
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid support wall acts as an intermediary structure that provides gravitational support to the flexible membrane, allowing the membrane to achieve large curvature variations while maintaining optical stability during operation
3Manufacturing precision
If complex actuator mechanisms are used to achieve precise control, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-service control mechanism where the gas-phase optical fluid automatically adjusts the lens curvature in response to pressure changes from the actuator, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining 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
The design enables wide focal distance adjustment, simple control, cost-effectiveness, and reliable operation with reduced maintenance, ensuring high optical quality and flexibility across various applications.
Implementation Method 1
The chamber (5) comprises an optical fluid, in particular a gas-phase optical fluid
Implementation Method 2
lenses intended to be traversed by a light beam in order to refract the light with a variable wavefront, for example in order to converge such light beam towards a specific point
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Adaptive optical device provided with a deformable lens comprising a membrane (2) which is extended between a first end (2') and an opposite second end (2") and is provided with an internal face (2B) placed on an optical layer (4) of deformable and transparent material. In addition, the deformable lens comprises actuator means (6) arranged for varying the curvature of the membrane (2) with respect to the optical axis (O) of the lens. Such actuator means (6) comprise a first movement member (7) and a second movement member (8) movable parallel to the optical axis (O) and connected, respectively, to the first end (2') and to the second end (2") of the membrane (2), and a drive member (9) operatively connected to the first and to the second movement member (7, 8) and arranged in order to move them by respectively moving the first end (2') and the second end (2") of the first membrane (2) parallel to the optical axis (O), in order to place the first membrane (2) at least in a curved configuration.