Flexible Border for Liquid Lens Membrane Vertical Translation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional near-eye displays face challenges in achieving a small form factor, large field of view, and large eyebox due to the need for heavy and expensive components to satisfy conditions of total internal reflection and diffraction, which often result in a large form factor.

Innovation Solution

The use of a liquid lens with a flexible border that allows variable vertical displacement at its boundary, accommodating non-circular frame shapes through a serpentine curve or other flexible cross-sectional shapes, reducing optical distortions and enabling movement of the membrane relative to the periphery to maintain a circularly symmetric shape.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a membrane is securely attached to an anchor point to maintain structural stability, then the membrane maintains its position, but optical distortion caused by the beam effect increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemembrane position stabilityVSAvoidoptical distortion

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The membrane is divided into two distinct portions: a first portion that maintains secure attachment to the anchor point for structural stability, and a second portion that is free from the anchor point to reduce optical distortion. This segmentation allows each portion to serve its specific function independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second portion of the membrane is extracted from the anchor point connection, separating it from the constraint that causes the beam effect. This extraction eliminates the harmful optical distortion while the first portion remains anchored to maintain overall membrane stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If conventional components are used to satisfy total internal reflection and diffraction conditions, then optical performance is achieved, but device size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical performanceVSAvoiddisplay system weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into the membrane structure itself: the membrane serves as both the optical element for total internal reflection and the flexible component for focus adjustment. This integration eliminates the need for separate heavy components while maintaining optical performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and properties of the membrane, transitioning it from a rigid structure to a flexible one that can dynamically adjust its shape. This parameter change allows the membrane to function as both a structural element and an optical component, reducing overall system weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid frame structure is used to support the membrane, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to non-circular frame shapes is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe structure stabilityVSAvoidframe shape adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The membrane is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to flex and adapt its shape while maintaining stability. This dynamic property enables the membrane to accommodate non-circular frame shapes without compromising structural integrity, transitioning from a rigid to a flexible adaptation mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the membrane have different properties: the first portion is anchored for stability, while the second portion is free to move and adapt to the frame shape. This local differentiation allows the membrane to simultaneously maintain structural stability and adapt to various frame geometries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 allows for a compact, lightweight near-eye display with a large field of view and eyebox while minimizing optical distortions, as the flexible border accommodates non-circular frame shapes, enhancing the display's performance and usability in augmented reality systems.

Implementation Method 1

a fluid filling a gap between the substrate and the membrane portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure transmission: Pascal's Law

Implementation Method 2

the membrane portion is flexible... the joint portion is configured to allow an end of the membrane portion to move in a translation motion in relation to the periphery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10677967B1Flexible border allowing vertical translation of membrane for fluid-filled lens

Publication Date: 2020.06.09 META PLATFORMS TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A flexible border for a liquid lens serves as a transition to allow movement at an edge of a membrane that is part of the liquid lens, thereby reducing distortion caused by the “beam effect” of the membrane securely attached to an anchor point. The flexible border allows vertical translation of an end of a membrane portion.