Deformable Substrate Optical Array Curvature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack a reliable, fast, and consistent means to precisely vary and control the curvature of electronic circuits dynamically, particularly in hemispherical imagers where changes in lens curvature affect focal surface and image focus.
Innovation Solution
The development of optical components with a deformable substrate that can be dynamically adjusted in curvature, using actuators such as hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, or piezoelectric systems to control the shape of the substrate, allowing for precise and reproducible curvature changes, enabling continuous adjustment of optical component arrays for improved focus and zoom capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed-curvature substrates are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the ability to dynamically adjust focus and zoom is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate transitions from a fixed-curvature rigid structure to a dynamically adjustable deformable structure. The patent implements this by using a deformable substrate that can change its curvature in real-time through actuation, enabling the optical component array to adapt to different imaging requirements (focus and zoom) without requiring multiple fixed-curvature substrates or additional optical lenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate's curvature parameter is made variable rather than fixed. The patent achieves this by controlling the physical state of the deformable substrate through actuators (such as piezoelectric elements, hydraulic systems, or pneumatic systems) that apply controlled forces to change the substrate's shape, thereby dynamically adjusting the curvature parameter to match different imaging needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rigid substrates are used, then structural stability is maintained, but the ability to vary curvature for different imaging settings is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is designed to be dynamically controllable rather than statically fixed. The deformable substrate allows controlled shape changes through actuation while maintaining stability during each configured state, enabling the system to switch between different curvature settings for focus and zoom adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms to maintain precise curvature control. Sensors detect the actual substrate shape and curvature, and this information is fed back to the control system, which adjusts the actuator inputs to achieve and maintain the desired curvature configuration, ensuring both adaptability and stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional lenses are added to achieve adjustable zoom, then imaging flexibility is improved, but device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable substrate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the mounting platform for the optical component array, provides focus adjustment through curvature changes, and enables zoom capability through the same curvature modulation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate additional lenses or adjustment mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining imaging flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the substrate structure with the optical adjustment function. Instead of having a separate optical system with multiple lenses for focus and zoom, the substrate itself is designed to perform the optical adjustment function through its deformable nature, combining structural support and optical control into a single integrated component.
4Manufacturing precision
If curvature control precision is increased to within 10% of desired shape, then image quality is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system uses feedback from shape sensors to continuously monitor the substrate curvature and make real-time adjustments. This closed-loop control enables high precision curvature control (within 10% of desired shape) by detecting deviations and automatically correcting them through the actuator system, achieving manufacturing precision without requiring overly complex open-loop control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a more compact and controllable actuation system. Instead of using multiple mechanical lenses or moving parts, the system uses field-based actuation (such as piezoelectric, hydraulic, or pneumatic systems) that can be precisely controlled through electrical or fluid signals, reducing mechanical complexity while achieving the required curvature 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
This solution allows for high-quality imaging with adjustable zoom and focus without additional lenses, maintaining functionality over a range of curvatures, ensuring that at least 95% of optical components remain functional, and achieving precise curvature control within 10% of the desired shape, ensuring sharp images across various zoom settings.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable substrate having a contact surface and an array of mechanically interconnected optical components supported by the contact surface. An actuator is operably connected to the contact surface, wherein the actuator variably controls a curvature of the contact surface
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are devices, and related methods, for controlling curvature of an array of optical components on, embedded, or partially embedded in, a deformable substrate. The array of optical components, in an aspect, comprises a deformable substrate having a contact surface and an array of mechanically interconnected optical components supported by the contact surface. An actuator is operably connected to the contact surface, wherein the actuator variably controls a curvature of said contact surface. The contact surface may have a curvature that spans concave to convex, which is tunable. In an aspect, the array of optical components is part of an optical device, such as a camera with a continuously adjustable zoom whose focus is maintained by adjusting a photodetector array curvature. In an aspect, the method is adjusting the curvature of a substrate that supports the array of optical components by applying a force to the substrate.