Deformable Lens Element Actuation via Electro-Active Polymer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems relying on motor-actuated rigid lens elements face limitations in miniaturization and energy conservation due to issues with electro wetting and fluid injection methods for varying optical properties in deformable lens elements, such as reliability and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A deformable lens element is designed to change its optical properties by imparting a force to its surface, utilizing a combination of a deformable membrane, a spacer element, and a focus fluid with an index of refraction greater than 1, actuated by an ion conductive electro-active polymer or a hollow stepper motor, allowing for significant variations in optical properties with reduced movement and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If motor-actuated rigid lens elements are used, then reliable focusing is achieved, but device size increases and energy consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces motor-actuated mechanical lens movement with a deformable lens element that changes optical properties through applied force or voltage. The deformable membrane responds to electro-active polymers or piezoelectric actuators, eliminating the need for motors and mechanical moving parts, thus reducing system size while maintaining focusing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static rigid lens elements to a dynamic deformable lens element whose optical properties can be continuously adjusted. The membrane can change its curvature and focal length in real-time through applied forces, enabling adaptive focusing without mechanical movement of the entire lens assembly.
2Volume of moving object
If electro wetting or fluid injection methods are used for deformable lens elements, then miniaturization is achieved, but reliability and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the problematic fluid injection and electro wetting systems from the deformable lens design. Instead, it uses a simpler force-application mechanism where an actuator directly applies force to the deformable membrane through a push-pull rod, removing complex fluid handling and electrical wetting components that reduce reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a push-pull rod as an intermediary mechanical element between the actuator and the deformable membrane. This simple mechanical intermediary transfers force reliably without requiring complex fluid or electrical interfaces, improving system reliability while maintaining miniaturization benefits.
3Power
If traditional motor-actuated systems are used, then sufficient focusing power is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces energy-intensive motor actuation with low-power electro-active polymer or piezoelectric actuators that directly deform the lens membrane. These actuators consume significantly less energy while providing sufficient focusing power through direct mechanical coupling to the deformable element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic focusing with minimal energy input by using a deformable lens element that responds to small applied forces. The electro-active materials can achieve significant membrane deformation with low voltage inputs, reducing energy consumption while maintaining adequate focusing power for various optical applications.
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 solution enables increased miniaturization and reduced energy consumption of optical systems while providing a reliable and easily manufactured design that overcomes the reliability and complexity issues of previous methods, achieving significant changes in optical properties with minimal movement of the lens element.
Implementation Method 1
actuated by an ion conductive electro-active polymer or a hollow stepper motor
Implementation Method 2
actuated by an ion conductive electro-active polymer or a hollow stepper motor
Implementation Method 3
A deformable lens element is designed to change its optical properties by imparting a force to its surface
Implementation Method 4
utilizing a combination of a deformable membrane, a spacer element, and a focus fluid with an index of refraction greater than 1
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising a deformable lens element can be provided wherein a deformable lens element can be deformed to change an optical property thereof by the impartation of a force to the deformable lens element.