Discrete Focus Lens Assembly Using Electromagnetic Barrel Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional variable focus lens assemblies are bulky, slow, and vulnerable to environmental impacts, making them unsuitable for small form factor mobile imaging apparatuses, where they are needed for discrete focusing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A discrete focusing lens assembly is designed with a positioning coil board and lens barrel assembly that uses positioning magnets and pads to rapidly reposition the lens barrel, allowing for quick focus adjustments within a small form factor, reducing vulnerability to vibrations and impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional variable focus lens assemblies are used, then focus adjustment capability is achieved, but the apparatus becomes bulky and slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical focus adjustment mechanisms with an electromagnetic system consisting of a positioning coil board with first and second positioning coil assemblies that interact with magnets on the lens barrel assembly. This electromagnetic substitution enables faster, more precise focus adjustment while reducing the overall assembly size and eliminating mechanical wear and vulnerability to environmental impacts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic focus adjustment system where the positioning coil assemblies can rapidly change the position of the lens barrel assembly along the optical axis by controlling electromagnetic forces. This dynamic capability allows the system to achieve multiple focal positions quickly, making it suitable for mobile imaging apparatuses requiring rapid focus switching
2Reliability
If conventional variable focus lens assemblies are used, then focus adjustment is possible, but reliability under environmental impacts decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces vulnerable mechanical focus adjustment components with an electromagnetic positioning system that has no moving mechanical parts subject to wear or environmental damage. The positioning coil assemblies and magnets create a robust system that maintains focus adjustment capability while being highly resistant to vibrations and impacts, thereby improving reliability in mobile environments
3Volume of moving object
If small form factor design is implemented, then apparatus size is reduced, but focus adjustment capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a compact nested design where the positioning coil assemblies are integrated onto a positioning coil board that fits within the lens assembly structure. The first and second positioning coil assemblies are positioned on opposite sides of the lens barrel assembly, with coils wound in opposite directions to generate controlled electromagnetic forces. This nested configuration achieves variable focus capability in a compact form factor suitable for mobile imaging apparatuses
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 reliable, compact, and high-speed focus adjustments, improving the effective range for image capture in small form factor imaging apparatuses while maintaining robustness against environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
a first positioning coil assembly and a second positioning coil assembly positioned on a positioning coil board, wherein the first positioning coil assembly and the second positioning coil assembly include a first coil and a second coil, respectively, that are positioned around a first positioning pad and a second positioning pad, respectively
Implementation Method 2
first positioning pad, the first positioning coil, and the first positioning magnet together with the second positioning pad, the second positioning coil, and the second positioning magnet define a focus position for the lens barrel assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments described herein provide a discrete focusing lens assembly. Some embodiments are designed to enable repositioning of one or more components, such as a lens barrel assembly, to adjust the focus of the discrete focusing lens assembly. Some example discrete focusing lens assemblies include a module base housing a lens barrel assembly having a pair of positioning magnets, a pair of positioning coil assemblies associated with the positioning magnets, and at least one module alignment pin positioning and/or aligning some or all of the components. The positioning coil assemblies together with the positioning magnets are configured to exert various magnetic fields to reposition the lens barrel assembly. Further embodiments are provided for imaging apparatus including at least one discrete focusing lens assembly described herein. Further, embodiments are provided for processes for assembling a discrete focusing lens assembly described herein.