Dual Membrane Fluid-Coupled Optical Stabilizer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical devices for image stabilization in cameras and mobile devices struggle to achieve a wide range of beam deviation and focal length variation while minimizing electrical actuation voltage and maintaining a compact design.
Innovation Solution
The optical device comprises two deformable membranes with a constant volume of fluid between them, each with a respective actuation device that can bend by applying electrical voltage to displace fluid, allowing for compensation of fluid displacement to maintain zero pressure difference and enable both beam deviation and focal length variation through controlled deformation of the membranes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single deformable membrane with fluid displacement is used, then beam deviation and focal length variation are achieved, but the range of deviation and focal length variation is limited and electrical actuation voltage is high
Solution Approach 1:
The single membrane system is segmented into two separate deformable membranes (first and second membranes), each capable of independent deformation. This segmentation allows the system to achieve a wider range of beam deviation and focal length variation by coordinating the deformation of both membranes, while reducing the electrical actuation voltage required for each individual membrane compared to overloading a single membrane.
Solution Approach 2:
The two deformable membranes are merged into a single optical system with a constant volume of fluid trapped between them, creating a coupled system where the membranes work together. The fluid coupling allows the membranes to deform in a coordinated manner, enabling extended ranges of beam deviation and focal length variation while distributing the actuation requirements across both membranes, thereby reducing the voltage burden on each.
2Measurement precision
If asymmetric actuation is applied to achieve beam deviation, then angular deviation is produced, but focal length variation is also induced which may not be desired
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation function is segmented between two membranes, allowing asymmetric actuation of the first membrane to produce beam deviation while the second membrane can be actuated symmetrically or not at all to compensate for unwanted focal length changes. This segmentation enables independent control of deviation and focal length functions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the membrane system are given different actuation characteristics - the first membrane is actuated asymmetrically in specific regions to produce beam deviation, while the second membrane is actuated in a manner that compensates for focal length changes. This local differentiation of actuation quality allows independent control of the two optical functions.
3Volume of moving object
If the optical device is made compact for mobile applications, then space is reduced, but the ability to achieve wide deviation range and focal length variation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The two deformable membranes and fluid coupling system are merged into a compact integrated structure that fits within mobile device constraints. The fluid coupling mechanism allows the membranes to work together in a space-efficient manner, achieving wide ranges of beam deviation and focal length variation within a compact volume suitable for mobile applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is designed with nested components where the first and second membranes are positioned closely with the fluid trapped between them, creating a compact nested structure. This nesting arrangement maximizes the optical functionality within a minimal volume, enabling wide deviation and focal length variation ranges in a space-constrained mobile environment.
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 design enhances the range of deviation and focal length variation while minimizing electrical actuation voltage, resulting in a compact and efficient image stabilization system effective against hand movements in cameras and mobile devices.
Implementation Method 1
a constant volume of fluid enclosed between the first and the second membrane, said fluid producing mechanical coupling of said first and second membranes
Implementation Method 2
comprising at least one actuator configured to bend by application of electrical actuation voltage so as to displace some of the volume of fluid
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device for the stabilization of images, including a first deformable membrane and a second deformable membranes, a support to which a respective peripheral anchoring area of each of said membranes is connected, and a constant volume of fluid enclosed between the first and the second membrane, said fluid producing mechanical coupling of said first and second membranes. The optical device also includes: a first actuation device of a region of the first membrane located between the peripheral anchoring area and a central part of the first membrane; and a second actuation device of a region of the second membrane located between the peripheral anchoring area and a central part of the second membrane. A control means of the first and second actuation devices is configured, from a rest position where the first and second actuation devices are inactive, to have multiple operating modes to apply respective actuation voltage to the first actuation device or the second actuation device.