Dielectrowetting Liquid Lens with Insulated Electrodes for Wider Focal Range

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid lenses face limitations such as electrowetting saturation, dielectric breakdown, and complex manufacturing processes, which constrain focal length variation and reliability.

Innovation Solution

A liquid lens design utilizing dielectrowetting principles with an interdigitated electrode array and insulating layer, where the electrodes are insulated from the liquids, allowing for a larger range of focal length adjustment and improved reliability through dielectric liquids with different dielectric constants, and a manufacturing process that avoids direct contact between electrodes and liquids.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electrowetting is used to change meniscus curvature, then focal length can be adjusted, but electrowetting saturation limits the range of focal length variation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocal length adjustment rangeVSAvoidelectrowetting saturation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an insulating layer as an intermediary between the electrode and the liquid interface. This insulating layer enables dielectrowetting effects that overcome the saturation limitations of direct electrowetting, allowing for a broader range of focal length adjustment without the same reliability constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the wetting mechanism from direct electrowetting to dielectrowetting by introducing the insulating layer. This parameter change allows the system to achieve larger contact angle variations and thus a wider focal length adjustment range without suffering from electrowetting saturation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If electrodes are placed in direct contact with liquids for electrowetting, then device structure is simplified, but dielectric breakdown and chemical interactions reduce reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode structureVSAvoiddielectric breakdown

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating layer serves as a mediator between the electrode and the liquid, preventing direct contact. This eliminates dielectric breakdown and chemical interaction issues while maintaining the electrowetting functionality through dielectrowetting effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating layer is deposited beforehand to protect the electrode from direct exposure to the liquid environment. This protective layer prevents dielectric breakdown and chemical degradation before they can occur, enhancing device reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Manufacturing precision

If complex manufacturing processes are used to achieve precise lens characteristics, then optical performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens optical characteristicsVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical manipulation of liquid interfaces with electric field-based dielectrowetting control. This substitution simplifies the manufacturing process by enabling precise optical characteristic control through electrode patterning and voltage application rather than complex mechanical assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The manufacturing approach changes from mechanical precision assembly to electrical field control. By depositing the insulating layer and patterning electrodes, the system achieves precise optical characteristics through electrical parameters rather than mechanical tolerances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design achieves a larger optical power output, reduced degradation, and enhanced reliability by preventing chemical interactions, with the ability to autofocus and stabilize images without physical movement, and a simplified manufacturing process.

Implementation Method 1

Dielectrowetting-based liquid lens

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectrowetting: Electrowetting

Data Source

PatentUS20250258323A1Dielectrowetting-based liquid lens

Publication Date: 2025.08.14 CORNING INC

AI summary

A liquid lens includes a cavity, and a first liquid and a second liquid disposed in the cavity. The first liquid differs from the second liquid. A variable interface is defined between the first and second liquids. The liquid lens includes an interdigitated array of electrode segments including a plurality of driving electrode segments interdigitated with a plurality of common electrode segments disposed on an inclined sidewall portion of the cavity. An insulating layer isolates each of the plurality of common electrode segments and at least one of the plurality of driving electrode segments from both the first and second liquids. An interface between the liquids and a surface of the liquid lens is adjustable so as to change a focus of the liquid lens by adjusting polarity of the first and second liquids.