Fluid-Compensated Deformable Lens Assembly for Gravity Sag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deformable lens membranes in optics systems suffer from gravity-induced sag, leading to optical aberrations such as coma aberrations, which affect image quality and optical performance.
Innovation Solution
A sag compensation structure is introduced, comprising one or more sag compensation membranes that interface with fluids to counteract gravity sag, using fluids with different densities and refractive indices to correct for optical aberrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a deformable lens membrane is used to vary optical power, then optical adaptability is improved, but gravity-induced sag causes optical aberrations that worsen image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a compensation membrane with opposing curvature that counteracts the gravity-induced sag of the deformable lens membrane. The compensation membrane is positioned to provide an equal and opposite force against gravitational deformation, thereby eliminating coma aberrations and other optical distortions while preserving the lens's optical power variation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of the compensation membrane relative to the deformable lens membrane. By placing the compensation membrane at a specific offset distance from the optical axis, the system creates an asymmetric force distribution that effectively counteracts the symmetric gravity-induced sag, resolving the technical contradiction between adaptability and optical quality.
2Ease of operation
If the deformable lens membrane is made more flexible for actuation, then ease of operation is improved, but gravity sag increases leading to worse optical performance
Solution Approach 1:
The compensation membrane provides a continuous counterbalancing force that offsets gravity's effect on the flexible deformable lens membrane. This allows the membrane to remain highly flexible and responsive to actuation while maintaining consistent optical performance across different orientations and gravitational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an equipotential gravitational environment for the deformable lens membrane by introducing the compensation membrane. This balanced gravitational field configuration allows the flexible membrane to deform freely for actuation purposes while experiencing net-zero gravitational stress, ensuring reliable and consistent optical performance.
3Device complexity
If no compensation structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but optical aberrations worsen image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin, flexible compensation membrane instead of a rigid support structure to counteract gravity sag. This approach adds minimal structural complexity while effectively eliminating coma aberrations, as the thin film can be easily integrated into the existing lens assembly without requiring complex mechanical support systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The compensation membrane acts as an intermediary element between the deformable lens membrane and the surrounding environment. This intermediate structure absorbs and counteracts gravitational forces, protecting the optical system from aberrations while adding only a single, simple component to the overall device architecture.
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 sag compensation structure effectively reduces optical aberrations caused by gravity sag, improving image quality and optical performance by maintaining symmetrical spot patterns and reducing RMS radius of the spot diagrams.
Implementation Method 1
the sag compensation structure may include one or more sag compensation membranes configured to deform, and deformably interface with, fluids
Implementation Method 2
compensate for gravity sag of a deformable lens membrane
Implementation Method 3
an actuator may be used to change the shape of the deformable membrane to vary the optical power
Implementation Method 4
An optics system may include one or more optical elements, such as a lens
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments include a sag compensation structure that may be used to compensate for gravity sag of a deformable lens membrane. In some embodiments, the sag compensation structure may be combined with a lens assembly comprising the deformable lens membrane. The sag compensation structure may include one or more sag compensation membranes that may interface with fluids to provide the gravity sag compensation. According to some embodiments, the lens assembly may include a lens that corrects for one or more optical aberrations of the deformable lens membrane. The sag compensation structure may be disposed between the deformable lens membrane and the lens that corrects for the optical aberration(s), in some embodiments.