Electroactive Polymer Actuator Lenticular Lens Positioning

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lenticular lens systems face issues with friction and jittery motion when trying to change the position of the lens relative to the display, limiting their ability to smoothly display multiple images or create dynamic visual effects.

Innovation Solution

The use of electroactive polymer actuators coupled with an electronic control system to precisely and smoothly move the lens element relative to the display unit, eliminating contact and introducing a clearance between the lens and display to reduce friction, and employing arrays of actuators and reflectors to control the position and direction of light sources for varied visual effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the lens element is moved relative to the display unit using conventional mechanical actuators, then the position can be changed to display multiple images, but friction and jittery motion occur limiting smooth display

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesmooth motionVSAvoidfriction and jittery motion

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical actuators with electroactive polymer (EAP) actuators that use electrochemical mechanisms instead of mechanical contact. The EAP actuators change shape in response to electrical stimuli, eliminating friction and jittery motion associated with mechanical systems while enabling smooth lens positioning for displaying multiple images sequentially.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary clearance gap between the lens element and display unit, eliminating direct contact and friction. This clearance allows the lens to be positioned smoothly by the EAP actuator without mechanical interference, enabling jitter-free image switching while maintaining optical functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If contact between lens and display is maintained for positioning, then positioning control is achieved, but friction increases causing jittery motion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning controlVSAvoidfriction

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary clearance gap between the lens element and display unit, eliminating direct contact and friction. This clearance allows the lens to be positioned smoothly by the EAP actuator without mechanical interference, enabling jitter-free image switching while maintaining optical functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If conventional actuators are used to move the lens, then positioning is achieved but energy consumption is high due to friction and mechanical losses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical actuators with electroactive polymer (EAP) actuators that use electrochemical mechanisms instead of mechanical contact. The EAP actuators change shape in response to electrical stimuli, eliminating friction and jittery motion associated with mechanical systems while enabling smooth lens positioning for displaying multiple images sequentially.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 high-quality, smooth motion of the lens to display multiple images sequentially, similar to a stop-action movie clip, with customizable visual effects and reduced battery consumption, suitable for point-of-purchase displays and lighting applications.

Implementation Method 1

Electroactive polymer actuators may be used to change the position of the lens with respect to the artwork

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroactive polymer: Electroactive Polymer

Data Source

PatentUS9195058B2Electroactive polymer actuator lenticular system

Publication Date: 2015.11.24 PARKER INTANGIBLES LLC

AI summary

The present invention provides an optical system comprising a lens element, a display unit displaced transversely from the lens element, at least one actuator coupled to at least one of the lens element or the display unit and capable of changing position of the lens element relative to the display unit in a lateral direction, and an electronic control system capable of driving the at least one actuator to move in a programmed manner to control positioning of the lens element relative to the display unit.