Electroactive Polymer Lens Actuation for Compact Optical Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical systems, such as digital cameras, face limitations in miniaturization due to high power consumption, long response times, limited accuracy, and increased complexity from numerous mechanical components, which hinder the integration of auto-focusing, zoom, and image stabilization features in compact devices like camera phones.
Innovation Solution
The integration of electroactive polymer (EAP) actuators within optical lens systems to adjust focal length, magnification, and compensate for unwanted motion, reducing the number of mechanical components and enhancing the compactness and efficiency of the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional motors and solenoids are used to displace gears and cams for auto-focusing and zoom, then focusing and zoom capabilities are achieved, but power consumption is high and response times are long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional motors and solenoids with electroactive polymer (EAP) actuators that use electrochemical mechanisms instead of electromagnetic or mechanical systems. The EAP actuators directly convert electrical energy to mechanical displacement through ion injection and polymer expansion, eliminating the need for gears, cams, and other mechanical transmission components, thereby reducing power consumption and response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the complex mechanical transmission components (gears, cams, linkages) from the conventional motor-driven system, retaining only the essential actuation function. By using EAP actuators that provide direct linear or rotational motion, the system eliminates intermediate mechanical elements that consume power and slow response.
2Adaptability or versatility
If motors and cam mechanisms are used for zoom capability, then magnification adjustment is achieved, but the number of moving parts increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the motor-cam mechanism system with EAP actuators that provide direct motion control. The EAP-based zoom mechanism uses one or more actuators to directly adjust lens positions without requiring cam mechanisms, reducing the number of moving parts and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions (auto-focusing, zoom, and image stabilization) into a single integrated actuation system using EAP actuators. Multiple EAP elements can be arranged to perform different functions simultaneously, reducing the total number of separate mechanisms and moving parts compared to conventional separate motor-driven systems.
3Volume of moving object
If conventional mechanical lens modules with small form factor are used in camera phones, then device compactness is achieved, but variable focusing and zoom capabilities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid mechanical lens module structure with a flexible EAP-based actuation system that enables variable focusing and zoom within a compact form factor. The EAP actuators provide the necessary motion range for auto-focusing and zoom without requiring the extensive mechanical infrastructure of conventional systems, maintaining small size while adding functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal EAP actuation platform that can perform multiple functions (auto-focusing, zoom, image stabilization) within a single compact lens module. The same EAP technology serves all these purposes, eliminating the need for separate mechanical systems for each function and enabling a small form factor with enhanced capabilities.
4Reliability
If gyroscopes and external components are used for image stabilization, then camera shake compensation is achieved, but device mass increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines image stabilization functionality with the existing EAP actuation system used for auto-focusing and zoom. The same EAP actuators that move lenses for focusing and zoom can also compensate for camera shake by making rapid, small adjustments to lens position, eliminating the need for separate gyroscope-based stabilization systems and reducing overall device mass.
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
EAP actuators enable efficient auto-focusing, zooming, and image stabilization with reduced power consumption and complexity, allowing for more compact and cost-effective optical systems with improved performance.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention includes optical lens systems and devices and methods for using them. The systems and devices include one or more electroactive polymer-based (EAP) actuators integrated therein to adjust a parameter of the device/system.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides optical systems, devices and methods which utilize one or more electroactive polymer actuators to provide shutter and/or aperture control.