Electrowetting Lens Switching Between Macro and Micro States
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional camera lenses struggle with focusing close objects due to limited focus range and introduce image aberrations when switching to macro mode, requiring complex and costly compensation systems.
Innovation Solution
A discretely adjustable lens using a closed system with immiscible fluids of different refractive indices, controlled by electrostatic forces, allowing switching between micro and macro states with built-in aberration compensation, eliminating the need for movable parts and complex systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a lens system is tuned for accurate operation in the micro state, then focusing accuracy for distant objects is improved, but the macro state introduces severe image aberrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different optical characteristics to different states of the same lens system. By controlling the spatial interrelationship of two immiscible fluids with different refractive indices, the lens can locally optimize its optical properties for either micro state (distant objects) or macro state (close-up objects), eliminating the need for separate lens systems tuned for each state
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the lens system by adjusting the spatial distribution of fluids with different refractive indices. By controlling the position and shape of the fluid-fluid interface through electrostatic forces, the lens can dynamically change its focal length and optical power to eliminate aberrations in both micro and macro states
2Adaptability or versatility
If a switchable macro lens is provided using a lens movable between two positions, then focusing on close objects is enabled, but switching introduces image aberrations and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical moving lens system with an electrowetting-based fluid control system. Instead of physically moving the lens between positions, the invention uses electrostatic forces to control the spatial interrelationship of two immiscible fluids, thereby achieving macro switching without mechanical movement and reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a single lens system that can perform both micro state (distant object focusing) and macro state (close-up focusing) functions. By controlling the fluid spatial interrelationship, the same lens structure adapts to different focusing requirements, eliminating the need for separate lens systems
3Device complexity
If traditional lenses are exchanged for electrowetting lenses, then movable parts are eliminated and compact design is achieved, but accurate control and maintenance of meniscus shape over extended periods is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the meniscus shape control from the time-dependent electrowetting process and replaces it with a geometrically defined fluid-fluid interface. By using two immiscible fluids where the interface shape is determined by their spatial interrelationship rather than continuous electrowetting control, the system achieves stable, reproducible optical surfaces without the reliability issues of maintaining meniscus shape over time
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 accurate and reproducible focusing on close objects without image aberrations, reducing lens complexity and cost, while maintaining compact design.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid system switch comprising electrodes, operative to rearrange the fluid system between a first discrete state and second discrete state by means of electrostatic forces
Implementation Method 2
a first fluid, having a first index of refraction, and a second fluid, having a second index of refraction that is different from the first index of refraction
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a discretely adjustable lens (300) that is controllable by means of electrostatic or electrowetting forces. The lens provides two accurately reproducible and freely designable lens states that are defined by interfaces between one out of two fluids (120,121) and at least one lens face (155). Changing place of the fluids by means of electrostatic or electrowetting forces provides for switching between the lens states. The lens may, for example, provide a macro lens option in a camera lens arrangement.