Folded-Axis Lens Assembly for Compact Sensor Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Downsized electronic devices face challenges in mounting lens assemblies with good optical performance due to reduced design freedom and limited space for multiple lenses and image sensors.
Innovation Solution
A lens assembly design with at least two lenses arranged along a first optical axis, an image sensor inclined with respect to this axis, and optical members redirecting light along intersecting axes, satisfying conditional expressions for focal length and field of view, allowing compact integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If multiple lenses and image sensors are integrated in a compact arrangement, then the electronic device size is reduced, but the design freedom and space for optimal optical configuration are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second optical axis that intersects with the first optical axis at an angle, enabling the image sensor to be disposed at a position and orientation that would not be possible in a conventional linear arrangement. This dimensional change allows the optical system to achieve compact integration while preserving design freedom for optimizing optical performance parameters such as field of view and focal length.
2Reliability
If the image sensor is disposed at a position and orientation optimized for optical performance, then optical performance is improved, but the device size and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By disposing the image sensor on a surface that is inclined relative to the first optical axis and introducing a second optical axis that intersects the first optical axis, the patent achieves optimized optical performance without increasing device size. The angular relationship between the two optical axes enables compact integration while maintaining the image sensor at its optimal position and orientation for capturing light from multiple lenses.
3Reliability
If the optical system is configured for optimal light guidance and focusing, then optical performance is improved, but the complexity of the optical path and component arrangement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a first optical member that acts as an intermediary between the first optical axis and the second optical axis. This optical member facilitates the angular transition of light paths between the two axes, enabling optimal light guidance and focusing while simplifying the overall optical path configuration. The first optical member mediates the complex angular relationships, making the system easier to design and manufacture.
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
Enhances design freedom and facilitates easy disposition in narrow spaces while maintaining optical performance, suitable for downsized electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical member disposed between the at least two lenses and the image sensor, wherein the first optical member is configured to receive light incident through the at least two lenses in a direction of the first optical axis and to emit the light along a direction of a second optical axis crossing the first optical axis
Implementation Method 2
a second optical member disposed between the first optical member and the image sensor, wherein the second optical member is configured to receive light incident through the first optical member in a direction of the second optical axis and to emit the light to the image sensor along a direction of a third optical axis crossing the second optical axis
Implementation Method 3
at least two lenses arranged along a direction of a first optical axis from an object side, an image sensor configured to receive light guided and/or focused through the at least two lenses
Data Source
AI summary
A lens assembly is provided. The lens assembly includes lenses arranged along a direction of a first optical axis from an object side, an image sensor receiving light guided through the lenses, the image sensor includes an imaging surface inclined with respect to the first optical axis, a first optical member disposed between the lenses and the image sensor, the first optical member receiving light incident through the lenses in a direction of the first optical axis and emitting the light along a direction of a second optical axis crossing the first optical axis, and a second optical member disposed between the first optical member and the image sensor, the second optical member receiving light through the first optical member in the direction of the second optical axis and emitting the light to the image sensor along a direction of a third optical axis crossing the second optical axis.