Fluidic Lens Thermal Compensation via Deformable Membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluidic lenses used in image pickup devices face challenges in maintaining a consistent focal distance due to thermal expansion of optical fluid, leading to abnormal operation within the typical temperature range of electronic equipment (-20 to 60 degrees Celsius.
Innovation Solution
A fluidic lens design incorporating a thermally deformable membrane that adjusts the inner space volume in response to temperature changes, compensating for the optical fluid's volume expansion or contraction, thereby maintaining a constant focal distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fluidic lens uses optical fluid with high thermal expansion coefficient, then the lens can adjust focal length through pressure changes, but the focal distance changes abnormally with temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temperature compensation mechanism that changes the physical parameters (volume) of the compensation fluid in response to temperature variations. The compensation fluid's volume changes with temperature to offset the thermal expansion effects on the optical fluid, thereby maintaining stable focal distance despite temperature changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a compensation fluid as an intermediary substance between the optical fluid and the external environment. This compensation fluid acts as a mediator that absorbs or releases volume changes due to thermal expansion, preventing direct transmission of temperature effects to the optical fluid and maintaining optical performance stability.
2Device complexity
If the inner space volume is fixed, then the lens structure is simple, but temperature changes cause unintended focal distance variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed inner space into a dynamic volume that can adapt to temperature changes. The compensation fluid enables the inner space volume to change dynamically with temperature, allowing the system to maintain optimal optical characteristics across different operating conditions without requiring complex active control mechanisms.
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 ensures the fluidic lens operates stably across the intended temperature range, preventing unintended focal distance changes and maintaining optical performance within the predetermined limits.
Implementation Method 1
Optical fluid used in the fluidic lens has a higher thermal expansion coefficient than other components forming the fluidic lens, and causes higher change in volume according to temperature change.
Implementation Method 2
The second membrane is attached to an opposite side of the frame to cover at least the driving portion and is deformable in response to temperature change to vary a volume of the inner space.
Data Source
AI summary
A vari-focal fluidic lens is provided. The fluidic lens includes a frame, an first membrane, a second membrane, and an optical fluid. The frame defines an inner space of the fluidic lens including a driving portion and a lens portion that are connected to each other. The elastic membrane is attached to one side of the frame to cover at least the lens portion. The second membrane is attached to an opposite side of the frame to cover at least the driving portion and is deformable in response to temperature change to vary a volume of the inner space. Optical fluid is contained in the inner space.