Discrete Focus Lens Assembly With 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 using a positioning coil board with multiple positioning coils and magnets, allowing the lens barrel assembly to be rapidly refocused within a small form factor, resistant to vibrations, and capable of discrete focus positions, powered by coil powering circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional variable focus lens assemblies are used, then focusing capability is provided, but the assembly becomes bulky and cannot fit within small form factor apparatuses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical variable focus lens mechanisms with an electromagnetic positioning system. A voice coil motor generates magnetic fields that interact with magnets attached to the lens barrel, enabling precise focal position control through electromagnetic force rather than mechanical actuation. This substitution dramatically reduces the overall assembly size while maintaining focusing capability, allowing the lens to fit within small form factor mobile imaging apparatuses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and control parameters of the lens positioning system by using electromagnetic fields instead of mechanical linkages. The voice coil motor controls the lens barrel position by varying electrical current parameters, which generate corresponding magnetic forces. This parameter-based control enables continuous adjustment of focal positions with minimal mechanical components, reducing volume while preserving adaptability.
2Speed
If conventional variable focus lens assemblies are used, then focusing is enabled, but the response speed becomes slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces slow mechanical focusing mechanisms with an electromagnetic voice coil motor system. The voice coil generates magnetic fields that rapidly actuate the lens barrel to desired focal positions without mechanical friction or inertia limitations. This electromagnetic actuation provides significantly faster response speeds while simplifying the overall mechanical structure by eliminating complex gears, linkages, and drive mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The voice coil motor enables rapid periodic adjustment of focal positions by controlling the timing and duration of electrical pulses. The system can quickly transition between different focal states in discrete steps or continuously, providing high-speed focusing response. The periodic electrical actuation replaces slow mechanical movement with rapid electromagnetic cycles, improving speed while reducing structural complexity.
3Reliability
If conventional variable focus lens assemblies are used, then focusing capability is provided, but the system becomes vulnerable to environmental impacts such as vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical focusing mechanisms with an electromagnetic voice coil motor system that is inherently more resistant to environmental vibrations. The voice coil motor uses magnetic fields for actuation, which are not affected by mechanical shocks or vibrations in the same way mechanical linkages are. The direct electromagnetic coupling between the voice coil and lens barrel assembly provides stable, vibration-resistant focusing control while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The voice coil motor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides precise positioning, vibration damping, and focus control in a single integrated component. The electromagnetic system can actively compensate for vibrations while maintaining focus, providing enhanced reliability without requiring separate mechanical stabilization mechanisms. This multi-functionality improves environmental resistance while avoiding additional structural complexity.
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
Enables reliable, compact, and high-speed focusing within small form factor imaging apparatuses, improving the effective range for capturing image data objects and maintaining functionality in mobile contexts.
Implementation Method 1
a first positioning coil assembly and a second positioning coil assembly... a first positioning magnet located adjacent to the first positioning pad, a second positioning magnet located adjacent to the second positioning pad
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
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.