Fluid Lens Focus Module with Deformable Membrane Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for improved systems and methods for using fluid lenses in modern applications, as existing technologies have limitations in controlling and optimizing their performance.

Innovation Solution

A focus module is developed with few moving parts, utilizing a boundary element, spacer element, deformable focus element, pressure element, deforming or actuator element, conductor element, and power source to control the fluid lens, allowing for adjustable focal length and optical axis alignment without multiple chambers or reservoirs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional fluid lens control systems are used with multiple chambers and reservoirs, then the lens can be controlled to change focal length, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocal length adjustment capabilityVSAvoidnumber of chambers and reservoirs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple chambers and reservoirs into a single integrated chamber that contains both the first and second fluids. The deformable membrane separates the fluids within this single chamber, eliminating the need for separate reservoirs and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to adjust focal length by controlling fluid distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single chamber serves multiple functions: it houses both fluids, provides the separation interface through the deformable membrane, and enables focal length adjustment. The pressure element also serves dual purposes by both separating the fluids and deform the membrane to change lens curvature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional fluid lens control systems with multiple components are used, then focal length can be adjusted, but the device size and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocal length adjustment capabilityVSAvoiddevice volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The deformable membrane and pressure element are nested within the single chamber structure. The membrane is positioned between the pressure element and the lens assembly, creating a compact nested arrangement where components are integrated within the chamber volume rather than requiring additional external space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If conventional lens systems are used, then imaging function is provided, but the system is susceptible to environmental factors and requires more parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental susceptibilityVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical focusing mechanisms (such as moving lens elements or adjusting focus rings) with a fluid-based system. By controlling the distribution and pressure of two immiscible fluids separated by a deformable membrane, the lens curvature and focal length are adjusted without mechanical movement of solid components, reducing susceptibility to environmental factors like shock and vibration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses hydraulic pressure control to adjust the lens focal length. A pressure element applies controlled pressure to the first fluid, which transmits this pressure to the deformable membrane, causing it to change shape and thereby adjusting the lens curvature. This hydraulic mechanism provides smooth, precise control without mechanical linkages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 focus module enables efficient and compact control of fluid lenses, minimizing parts and space usage, suitable for applications like imaging and data reading devices, with improved image quality and reduced environmental susceptibility.

Implementation Method 1

a deforming element to deform the focus element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

a pressure element to transmit a force from the deforming element to the focus element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure transmission: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS9739911B2Focus module and components with actuator

Publication Date: 2017.08.22 HAND HELD PRODS INC

AI summary

A focus module contains a boundary element and a focus element. The focus element includes a fluid and a deformable membrane, with the fluid being entrapped between the boundary element and the deformable membrane. The focus module also includes a pressure element, which is capable of deforming the focus element by pressing on the deformable membrane in the direction of the boundary element.