Elastomeric Macro Lens Deformation for Variable Focal Length
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional zoom lenses compromise on image quality, weight, dimensions, aperture, autofocus performance, and cost due to the complexity required for variable focal length, leading to significant loss of image resolution at maximum aperture, especially at the extremes of their focal length range.
Innovation Solution
A macro lens system with a coaxial assembly of individual lenses and an external mechanism to vary the area of contact between surfaces, using a piston to apply force and deform the lenses' surfaces, minimizing optical aberrations by increasing the radius of curvature and maintaining constant back focal distance across the range of optical power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional zoom lenses use multiple moving lens groups to achieve variable focal length, then the focal length can be adjusted, but the device complexity increases and image quality deteriorates due to optical aberrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the lens material from rigid to elastomeric, allowing continuous deformation of lens surfaces. This enables focal length adjustment through material property changes rather than discrete lens group movements, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic deformation capability to the lens structure, where elastomeric lenses can continuously change shape in response to applied forces. This dynamic characteristic replaces traditional discrete lens group mechanisms, achieving variable focal length with simpler construction
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional zoom lenses increase the number of lens elements for variable focal length, then the focal length range expands, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses elastomeric material properties to enable a single lens element to achieve multiple focal lengths through deformation. This eliminates the need for multiple discrete lens elements, significantly reducing the overall weight while expanding the focal length range
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple lens functions into a single deformable elastomeric lens element. By merging what would traditionally require separate lens groups into one adaptable component, the system achieves weight reduction while maintaining variable focal length capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional zoom lenses use complex mechanisms for variable focal length, then the focal length can be adjusted, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes from manufacturing multiple precise rigid lens components to manufacturing a single elastomeric lens that achieves optical functionality through material deformation. This simplifies manufacturing processes and reduces assembly costs while maintaining variable focal length capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the variable focal length function from complex mechanical mechanisms and embeds it directly into the elastomeric lens material itself. This eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, reducing both manufacturing complexity and cost
4Illumination intensity
If conventional zoom lenses operate at maximum aperture, then the light gathering capability is maximized, but image resolution is significantly lost due to optical aberrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic surface deformation of elastomeric lenses to correct optical aberrations in real-time. The ability to continuously adjust the lens surface shape allows optimization of both aperture and image quality, preventing the resolution loss that occurs in conventional fixed-shape lenses at maximum aperture
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 allows for continuous adjustment of focal length with minimal optical aberrations, maintaining image quality and reducing the complexity of the lens system, enabling a wider range of optical power variation with minimal actuation force and axial movement.
Implementation Method 1
an external mechanism to vary the area of contact between surfaces, using a piston to apply force and deform the lenses' surfaces
Implementation Method 2
deform the lenses' surfaces, minimizing optical aberrations by increasing the radius of curvature
Data Source
AI summary
Accommodating (re-focusable) macro lens system which includes first and second individual lenses having first and second optical portions sequentially disposed along an optical axis. Change in optical-power of macro lens results from by changing the flattened area of contact between the lenses in response to force applied to the lenses axially by an external compressor operably connected with or forming a part of macro lens housing. Method for operating same.