Folded Mirror Magnifier for Smartphones With Long Optical Path
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current smartphone-based optical magnification solutions offer limited magnification factors, are complex, expensive, and require additional support, while professional telescopes are too large and static for convenient use as accessories.
Innovation Solution
An optical magnification device with a folding structure using reflective elements to form a folded optical path, comprising a primary and secondary reflective elements, and optionally a tertiary reflective element, allowing for a compact, dynamic, and inexpensive solution that achieves magnification up to x100, without additional support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If refraction-based optics with multiple lenses are used, then magnification can be achieved, but the device becomes complex, expensive, and relatively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the refraction-based mechanical lens system with a reflection-based optical system using mirrors. This substitution eliminates the need for multiple complex lenses while achieving the same magnification function, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a folded optical path that utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement of mirrors. By folding the light path in multiple dimensions, the system achieves high magnification within a compact form factor, avoiding the linear extension that would result from multiple lenses.
2Measurement precision
If professional telescope devices with reflection-based optics are used, then high magnification is achieved, but the devices are too large, static, and expensive for smartphone accessory use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the optical system to be nested within or attached to the smartphone structure. The folded optical path allows mirrors to be arranged in a compact configuration that fits within the smartphone's form factor, effectively nesting the telescope functionality within the mobile device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces movable or adjustable mirror elements that can be positioned and fixed as needed. This dynamic capability allows the system to achieve high magnification only when required, while maintaining a compact, portable form factor for everyday smartphone use.
3Measurement precision
If a long optical path is used to achieve high magnification, then magnification factor increases, but the device outer dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent folds the optical path using multiple mirrors arranged in a three-dimensional configuration. This allows the light to travel a long distance for high magnification while the physical device remains compact, as the optical path is folded back on itself rather than extending linearly.
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 device provides sufficient optical magnification, up to x100, while maintaining a small size and being cost-effective, suitable for smartphones, with a dynamic design that extends focal length without increasing the device's outer dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
The reflection system comprises a primary reflective element and a secondary reflective element, the primary reflective element comprising a concave reflective surface
Implementation Method 2
the primary reflective element comprising a concave reflective surface
Implementation Method 3
the secondary reflective element comprising a planar reflective surface
Implementation Method 4
a folding structure comprising a reflection system configured to form a folded optical path
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6(c)
Figure 7~10
AI summary
An optical magnification device (1) for an electronic apparatus (2), said device comprising a folding structure (3) and a support structure (6) configured to attach said folding structure (3) to said electronic apparatus (2), such that a focal plane of said optical magnification device (1) is located within said electronic apparatus (2). Said a folding structure (3) comprises a reflection system configured to form a folded optical path (O), and said reflection system comprising a primary reflective element (4) and a secondary reflective element (5). Said primary reflective element (4) comprises a concave reflective surface and said secondary reflective element (5) comprises a planar reflective surface. The distance between the primary reflective element (4) and the secondary reflective element (5) may be up to 450 mm, and/or the magnification provided by the optical magnification device may be over x100.