Fluidic Lens with Remote Actuator and Compliant Membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluidic lens systems face challenges in achieving adequate light-ray bending due to insufficient refractive index difference between liquids and require a compact form-factor with a remote pressurized fluid source, making them inconvenient for practical applications.
Innovation Solution
A compact fluidic lens design with a spool-shaped skeleton and a compliant membrane, where the actuator is integrated close to the lens to minimize size and mechanical complexity, using a fluid with a refractive index between 1.1 and 3.0, and incorporating shape memory alloy or electrostatic actuation to adjust the focal length efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a fluidic lens system uses two immiscible refractive liquids to achieve compact design, then the system becomes conveniently compact, but the refractive index difference between the two liquids is insufficient to provide adequate light-ray bending ability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pressurized fluid source from the lens assembly, placing it remotely while using only a compliant membrane and fluid pathway within the compact lens. This allows the lens to maintain small size without requiring two immiscible liquids, instead using a single high-refractive-index liquid (n=1.1-3.0) that provides sufficient light-bending capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the refractive index parameter of the fluid from the limited range of two-immiscible-liquid systems to a broader range (1.1-3.0) by selecting appropriate fluids. This parameter change enables adequate light-ray bending while maintaining compact form factor through the integrated membrane design.
2Ease of operation
If a fluidic lens system uses a remote pressurized fluid source to control lens curvature, then the refractive power can be controlled, but the form-factor of the whole system becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The pressurized fluid source is extracted from the lens assembly and placed remotely. The lens contains only the compliant membrane, fluid pathway, and aperture, achieving compact form factor while maintaining the ability to control refractive power through the remote pressure source.
Solution Approach 2:
A compliant membrane acts as an intermediary between the remote pressurized fluid source and the lens aperture. The membrane transmits the pressure control signal while enabling compact lens design, serving as the mechanical mediator that connects the remote actuation to the local optical function.
3Volume of moving object
If an actuator is placed close to the lens to minimize size, then the form-factor is reduced, but the mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is extracted from the lens assembly and placed remotely. The lens contains only the compliant membrane and fluid pathway, minimizing its size and complexity. The actuation function is separated from the optical function, reducing the mechanical complexity within the lens itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant membrane serves as an intermediary that simplifies the mechanical connection between the remote actuator and the lens. Instead of requiring complex integrated actuators, the membrane provides a simple, flexible coupling that translates remote pressure changes into lens curvature changes.
4Ease of operation
If a compliant membrane is used to bound the lenticular body, then the refractive power can be controlled by fluid pressure, but the stress on the membrane increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compliant membrane acts as an intermediary that distributes the stress from pressure changes across its surface. By using a membrane with appropriate material properties and geometry, the stress is distributed rather than concentrated, enhancing durability while maintaining the ability to control refractive power through pressure changes.
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 significant change in focal power with minimal mechanical motion, reducing the overall size and stress on the membrane, enhancing the lens's range of focal power while maintaining durability and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
using a fluid with a refractive index between 1.1 and 3.0
Implementation Method 2
incorporating shape memory alloy or electrostatic actuation to adjust the focal length efficiently
Data Source
AI summary
A fluidic optical device, systems utilizing fluidic optical devices, methods for manufacturing fluidic optical devices and actuators are disclosed.