Deformable Lens Body with Integrated Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing adjustable optical lenses face challenges such as the need for labor-intensive processes, optical and mechanical quality issues due to the use of fixing agents, thermal expansion problems, and difficulties in achieving uniformity and stability in mass production, particularly in achieving a deformable lens body with high refractive index and optimal mechanical properties.
Innovation Solution
A transparent optical device element comprising a deformable lens body with a bendable transparent cover member and actuators that shape the cover member to change the lens's shape, eliminating the need for fixing agents and enhancing mechanical stability, refractive index, and stiffness, while using a polymer network with cross-linked or partly cross-linked polymers and miscible oils to achieve the desired properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a fixing agent or adhesive is used to mount the actuator on the lens structure, then the actuator can be securely attached, but optical disturbances occur due to refractive index mismatch and the process becomes labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates the fixing agent or adhesive from the lens assembly by integrating the actuator directly into the lens structure during the molding process. The actuator is formed as an integral part of the lens, removing the need for separate attachment steps and eliminating optical disturbances caused by refractive index mismatch.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator and lens structure are combined into a single integrated component through co-molding or insert molding techniques. This merging of components eliminates the interface between separate parts, removing the need for fixing agents and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining secure attachment.
2Strength
If a fixing agent is used to attach the actuator, then mechanical stability is achieved, but tensions arise between different parts due to thermal expansion differences
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing agent is removed from the system, eliminating the thermal expansion mismatch problem that causes tensions between different materials. The integrated actuator-lens structure uses compatible materials throughout, avoiding thermal stress issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens structure incorporates the actuator as an integral component made from materials compatible with the lens material, ensuring uniform thermal expansion characteristics. This composite structure maintains mechanical stability while resisting thermal stresses across the operating temperature range.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lens body is made softer to improve deformability, then focus adjustment becomes easier, but mechanical stability and resistance to gravitational deformation decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The lens structure employs different material properties in different regions: the lens body portion is made softer to enable easy deformation for focus adjustment, while the actuator mounting portion and structural supports are made stiffer to provide mechanical stability and resist gravitational deformation. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between deformability and mechanical stability.
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 solution allows for the production of lenses with improved mechanical stability, high refractive index, and fast autofocus capabilities, reducing production complexity and costs, while maintaining optical quality and stability across a wide temperature range.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator may comprise a multilayer stack of electromechanical polymer (EMP) layers, having electrodes configured to apply an electric field across each EMP layer
Implementation Method 2
a deformable lens body having an improved mechanical stability, a high refractive index, an optimal degree of stiffness and sheer modulus
Implementation Method 3
the refractive index is above 1.35; and the deformable lens body comprises a polymer network of cross-linked or partly cross-linked polymers
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to transparent optical device elements comprising a deformable lens body and to a method for changing the refractive index (RI) of a deformable lens body. The deformable lens body of the invention has an improved mechanical stability, a high refractive index, an optimal degree of stiffness and sheer modulus for use as optical lens.