Folded Optical Imaging Lens Group for Compact High-Resolution Capture

Solution Overview

Problem

Optical imaging systems with plastic lenses in portable devices struggle to capture high-resolution and high-magnification images due to limitations in refractive power and design.

Innovation Solution

An optical imaging system with a lens group comprising four or more lenses, including a rearmost lens with positive refractive power and a rearward lens with negative refractive power, along with an optical path folding element, is designed to enhance imaging capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a plastic lens is used to facilitate miniaturization, then the device size is reduced, but the resolution and magnification capabilities are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidimage resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The lens system is divided into multiple lens units (first lens unit with positive refractive power, second lens unit with negative refractive power, third lens unit with positive refractive power) instead of using a single plastic lens. This segmentation allows each lens to be optimized for specific functions while achieving miniaturization, resolving the contradiction between small device size and high image resolution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent specifies precise refractive index ranges for each lens unit (first lens: 1.50-1.56, second lens: 1.63-1.69, third lens: 1.50-1.56) to optimize optical performance. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system achieves both compact size and high resolution capabilities that a single plastic lens cannot provide.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Volume of moving object

If a plastic lens is used to facilitate miniaturization, then the device size is reduced, but the magnification capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidmagnification capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lens system is divided into multiple lens units (first lens unit with positive refractive power, second lens unit with negative refractive power, third lens unit with positive refractive power) instead of using a single plastic lens. This segmentation allows each lens to be optimized for specific functions while achieving miniaturization, resolving the contradiction between small device size and high image resolution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent specifies precise refractive index ranges for each lens unit (first lens: 1.50-1.56, second lens: 1.63-1.69, third lens: 1.50-1.56) to optimize optical performance. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system achieves both compact size and high resolution capabilities that a single plastic lens cannot provide.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the focal length is increased to improve magnification, then the magnification capability is enhanced, but the f-number becomes smaller reducing depth of field

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnification capabilityVSAvoiddepth of field

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The lens system is divided into multiple lens units (first lens unit with positive refractive power, second lens unit with negative refractive power, third lens unit with positive refractive power) instead of using a single plastic lens. This segmentation allows each lens to be optimized for specific functions while achieving miniaturization, resolving the contradiction between small device size and high image resolution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent specifies precise refractive index ranges for each lens unit (first lens: 1.50-1.56, second lens: 1.63-1.69, third lens: 1.50-1.56) to optimize optical performance. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system achieves both compact size and high resolution capabilities that a single plastic lens cannot provide.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter 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 system achieves high-resolution and high-magnification imaging while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for portable devices.

Implementation Method 1

a rearmost lens disposed closest to an imaging plane in the lens group has positive refractive power, and a rearward lens disposed closest to an object side of the rearmost lens has negative refractive power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS20250306344A1Optical imaging system

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 SAMSUNG ELECTRO MECHANICS CO LTD

AI summary

An optical imaging system includes an optical path folding element, and a lens group including four or more lenses. A rearmost lens disposed closest to an imaging plane in the lens group has positive refractive power, and a rearward lens disposed closest to an object side of the rearmost lens has negative refractive power.