Deformable Membrane Optical Device Bidirectional Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing membrane deformable optical devices, such as liquid lenses and mirrors, face challenges including complex and bulky actuation mechanisms, high power consumption, optical aberrations, leakage risks, and incompatibility with microelectronic manufacturing processes, making them unsuitable for compact camera modules and other applications.

Innovation Solution

A membrane deformable optical device with a deformable membrane anchored to a support, featuring main and supplementary actuating means that load the membrane in opposite directions to achieve greater deformation, using electrostatic, piezoelectric, or thermal bimorph actuators, and a cover to protect the membrane, with servocontrol mechanisms to optimize voltage application based on fluid thickness, allowing for efficient deformation and reduced power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If complex mechanical actuating means are used to deform the membrane, then the membrane deformation capability is improved, but the device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemembrane deformation capabilityVSAvoidactuating means complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical actuating means with electrostatic actuators that apply electrical forces to deform the membrane. This substitution eliminates mechanical linkages, containers, and sealing mechanisms while achieving the same membrane deformation capability through direct electrical actuation of the membrane material itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the actuation mechanism from mechanical to electrical by applying voltage to electrostatic actuators. This parameter change enables precise control of membrane deformation through electrical fields rather than mechanical forces, reducing device complexity while maintaining deformation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional actuating means are used, then the device can be manufactured with existing processes, but the power consumption is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing compatibilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical actuation systems with electrostatic actuators that consume significantly less power. The electrical actuation mechanism directly deforms the membrane through electrostatic forces without requiring the bulky mechanical components and continuous power consumption associated with conventional mechanical actuators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If single-direction actuation is used, then the actuating means structure is simplified, but the membrane deformation effectiveness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuating means structureVSAvoidmembrane deformation effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the actuation system into multiple electrostatic actuator regions that can independently control different zones of the membrane. This segmentation allows simultaneous bidirectional deformation control by applying electrical forces in opposite directions to different membrane regions, achieving effective deformation without complex mechanical linkages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 more effective membrane deformation with reduced power consumption, minimizes optical aberrations, and facilitates batch manufacturing, making the device more compatible with microelectronic processes and suitable for compact camera modules and other applications.

Implementation Method 1

The actuating means are formed from a plurality of actuators 201 arranged in a ring-shaped container 203... When the actuating means are activated, they apply a force to the membrane 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

The actuating means may be formed from at least one electrostatic, piezoelectric, thermal bimorph, magnetic actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

The actuating means may be formed from at least one electrostatic, piezoelectric, thermal bimorph, magnetic actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS8116011B2Membrane deformable optical device having improved actuation

Publication Date: 2012.02.14 WEBSTER CAPITAL LLC

AI summary

An optical device including: at least one deformable membrane; a first support; and actuating unit for loading the membrane to deform it, the membrane being provided with a anchoring zone for anchoring to the support which surrounds a part of the membrane including a substantially central zone that is reversibly deformable, the support and the membrane contributing to imprison a constant volume of a first fluid in contact with a face of part of the membrane, wherein the actuating unit includes control-activated main actuating unit for loading the membrane in a peripheral zone and control-activated supplementary actuating unit anchored at least to the membrane for loading the membrane in the central zone.