Fluid Lens Actuation Guide Reduces Membrane Deformation Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid lenses require high actuation forces to adjust optical power, limiting the use of smaller and more efficient actuators, and resulting in larger and less compact devices.
Innovation Solution
The development of a 'zero-strain' fluid lens configuration, where the membrane profile is adjusted without appreciable change in elastic energy, reducing the actuation force required to adjust the lens, allowing for smaller and more efficient actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional fluid lens actuation is used, then optical power can be adjusted, but high actuation forces are required
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is divided into multiple segments or zones with different mechanical properties. By segmenting the membrane structure, the patent enables localized deformation with reduced actuation force, as each segment can be independently controlled rather than requiring force to deform the entire membrane uniformly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the membrane by introducing variable stiffness regions, pre-stress patterns, or material gradient properties. These parameter changes allow the membrane to deform more easily in response to actuation while maintaining optical performance, thereby reducing the required actuation force.
2Force
If high actuation forces are used, then optical power adjustment is achieved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the membrane into controllable zones, the patent enables the use of smaller, distributed actuators rather than requiring a single large-force actuator. This segmentation allows optical power adjustment while maintaining a compact device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies membrane parameters such as thickness, material composition, or pre-stress distribution to reduce actuation force requirements. These parameter changes enable compact actuator design while achieving the necessary optical power adjustment range.
3Volume of moving object
If smaller actuators are used, then device compactness improves, but actuation capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the membrane into multiple independently controllable regions, allowing several small actuators to collectively achieve the optical power adjustment that would otherwise require a single large actuator. This maintains device compactness while providing sufficient actuation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the membrane and actuator system so that small actuators can perform multiple functions: they not only adjust optical power but also maintain membrane tension, control deformation patterns, and adapt to different operating conditions, thereby achieving high actuation capability despite limited individual actuator size.
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 configuration significantly reduces the actuation force needed, enabling the use of smaller, speed-efficient actuators, resulting in a more compact and efficient form factor for fluid lenses.
Implementation Method 1
the amount of elastic energy stored in the membrane may be independent of the optical power of the fluid lens
Data Source
AI summary
An example device may include a fluid lens having a membrane assembly including a membrane and one or more membrane attachments, a substrate, a fluid located within an enclosure formed at least in part by the membrane and the substrate, and a support structure, attached to the substrate, including an actuation guide. The device may include an actuator mechanically coupled to the actuation guide and configured to change an orientation of the actuation guide relative to another device component, such as a substrate or frame. An example actuation guide may engage with the membrane attachment, and the movement of the membrane attachment along the actuation guide in response to the change in the orientation of the actuation guide may adjust an optical property, such as a focal length, of the fluid lens.