Flat-Surfaced Tunable Lens Using Piezo Actuators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Miniaturized cameras in wearable devices face challenges in providing features like autofocus, optical zoom, and optical image stabilization due to size constraints, high power consumption, and mechanical reliability issues, particularly with the use of moving parts which increase failure risks and susceptibility to electromagnetic interference.

Innovation Solution

A flat-surfaced, electrically controlled, tunable optical lens with a thickness profile modified by voltage-controlled thin film piezo actuators, such as lead-zirconium-titanium oxide (PZT) film, allows for autofocus, optical zoom, and optical image stabilization without moving parts, using deformable materials like polymers and maintaining flat surfaces for optical stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If mechanically movable parts are used to achieve autofocus and optical zoom, then optical functionality is improved, but device size increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical functionalityVSAvoiddevice reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanically movable parts with a deformable lens element controlled by piezoelectric actuators. The lens curvature is changed by applying voltage to the piezoelectric material, which deforms the lens surface electrically rather than mechanically. This eliminates moving parts while maintaining autofocus and optical zoom functionality, thereby improving reliability without sacrificing optical adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the curvature parameter of the lens element dynamically through piezoelectric deformation. By applying different voltages to the piezoelectric actuators, the lens curvature is adjusted to achieve different focal lengths and focus distances. This parameter-based control method replaces mechanical movement with electrical field control, eliminating the need for physically moving lens components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If mechanically movable parts are used for optical features, then optical performance is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical featuresVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes mechanical drive mechanisms with piezoelectric actuators that consume significantly less power. The piezoelectric material deforms in response to applied voltage, directly changing lens curvature without requiring continuous mechanical energy input. This electrical control method dramatically reduces power consumption compared to motor-driven mechanical systems while maintaining full optical feature functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If mechanically movable parts are used to achieve compact camera design, then optical capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical capabilityVSAvoidcamera complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical assemblies with a single deformable lens element actuated by piezoelectric material. This integration of multiple functions (autofocus, optical zoom) into a single electrically-controlled component dramatically simplifies the camera structure, reducing the number of parts and assembly complexity while maintaining full optical capability.

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

This solution enables low power consumption, smaller size, increased reliability, and immunity to electromagnetic interference by eliminating mechanically movable parts, while maintaining optical performance and reducing the size of the optical assembly.

Implementation Method 1

A flat-surfaced, electrically controlled, tunable optical lens with a thickness profile modifiable through one or more piezo actuators

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20240027722A1Flat-surfaced tunable optical lens

Publication Date: 2024.01.25 META PLATFORMS TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A flat-surfaced, electrically controlled, tunable lens to provide autofocus, optical zoom, optical image stabilization, and similar functionalities is described. A thickness profile of the tunable lens may be modified through a voltage-controlled thin film piezo actuator, for example, a lead-zirconium-titanium oxide (PZT) film. For autofocus and optical zoom features, an entire thickness of the tunable lens may be modified with the thickness being the same across a cross-section area of the tunable lens and opposing surfaces of the tunable lens remaining flat. For optical image stabilization, the thickness profile of the tunable lens may be modified to a tilted profile, where one side of the tunable lens is thinner than the other side with the opposing surfaces of the tunable lens remaining flat. The tilted profile may have an angle between the two plates (surfaces) in a range up to 10 degrees.