Flexible Tunable Prism Layout for Thin Large-Aperture Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tunable prisms face challenges in minimizing installation space while maximizing the clear aperture in a certain direction, particularly in devices with restricted dimensions like smartphones.
Innovation Solution
A tunable prism design featuring flexible surfaces, an optical medium, and an actuator system that tilts optical elements to adjust the angle between surfaces, allowing for a compact form factor and large clear aperture, with components arranged perpendicular to the height direction to fit within limited spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the prism height is reduced to minimize installation space, then the device can be integrated in smartphones with restricted spaces, but the clear aperture is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reorients the optical path and prism arrangement from a vertical configuration to a horizontal configuration. By placing the optical medium and optical elements in a horizontal plane rather than stacking them vertically, the clear aperture is maximized in the vertical direction while the overall device height remains minimal. This dimensional reorganization allows the light to travel horizontally through the optical medium while the device maintains a thin vertical profile suitable for smartphone integration.
2Reliability
If rigid optical elements are used to maintain optical quality, then light deflection is effective, but the mechanical forces required for tilting increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane as one of the optical elements in the prism assembly. This membrane can be tilted using minimal mechanical force while still maintaining sufficient optical quality for light deflection. The flexibility of the membrane reduces the actuation force requirement compared to rigid elements, enabling the use of compact, low-power actuators in the smartphone device while preserving the necessary optical performance.
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 design achieves a small height in one direction with a large clear aperture, enabling integration in devices with restricted installation spaces, such as smartphones, while maintaining effective light deflection and reducing mechanical forces required for tilting.
Implementation Method 1
light incident on the first surface passes through the optical medium and exits the member via the second surface, whereby the light is deflected by the member depending on an angle between the two surfaces
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 2A~3
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
The present invention relates to a tunable prism (1) for deflecting light (L) incident on the tunable prism (1) in a variable fashion, wherein the tunable prism (1) comprises: a member (10) comprising a transparent and flexible first surface (11), a transparent and flexible second surface (12) that faces away from the first surface (11), and an optical medium (2) arranged between the two surfaces (11, 12), such that light (L) incident on the first surface (11) passes through the optical medium (2) and exits the member (10) via the second surface (12), whereby the light (L) is deflected by the member (10) depending on an angle (W) between the two surfaces (11, 12); a rigid first optical element (20) comprising a surface area (21) connected to the first surface (11); a rigid second optical element (30) comprising a surface area (31) connected to the second surface (12); and an actuator system (S) configured to tilt the first optical element (20) and/or the second optical element (30) to tune said angle (W).