Folded Optics Lens Adapter for Low Profile Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image capture devices protrude awkwardly when mounted to helmets or UAVs, causing increased air resistance and profile issues due to their size and orientation, which existing lens adapters fail to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
A detachable lens adapter system that uses folded optics to redirect light from a front-facing lens to the side or top of the image capture device, allowing image capture while minimizing the device's profile through the use of a second lens assembly and optical devices like silvered mirrors or prisms, which can be adjusted for various mounting configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a front-facing lens is used for image capture, then image quality is maintained, but the device profile increases and causes air resistance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent redirects the optical path from a front-facing configuration to a side-mounted configuration using folded optics. The light path is bent at approximately 90 degrees through the use of mirrors or prisms, allowing the lens to be positioned on the side of the device body rather than protruding from the front, thereby reducing the device profile while maintaining image capture capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical intermediary elements (mirrors or prisms) between the lens and the image sensor to redirect the light path. These intermediaries enable the light to travel from the side-mounted lens through the device body to reach the sensor, effectively decoupling the lens position from the front-facing orientation and reducing the overall device profile
2Length of moving object
If the lens is positioned on the side or top of the device, then the profile is reduced, but the optical path becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs folded optics that redirect the light path through spatial folding within the device body. By using mirrors or prisms positioned at strategic angles (approximately 45 degrees), the optical path is folded back on itself, allowing the light to traverse a longer effective distance within a compact physical envelope, thus reducing the device profile without requiring excessively long optical components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the optical components (lens, mirrors/prisms) within the device body in a compact arrangement. The side-mounted lens is positioned within or near the device housing, and the folded optical path allows the light to navigate through the available internal space efficiently, maximizing the use of the device's internal volume and minimizing the overall footprint
3Length of moving object
If folded optics are used to redirect light, then the device profile is minimized, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the mirrors or prisms directly into the device housing structure, nesting them within the existing mechanical framework. This integration allows the optical components to be positioned and aligned during the housing manufacturing process, utilizing the housing's inherent precision and rigidness to maintain optical alignment, thereby reducing the need for separate, high-precision mounting mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the optical mounting structure with the device housing, merging the mechanical support and optical alignment functions into a single integrated structure. This consolidation allows the housing itself to serve as the precision reference for optical component positioning, leveraging the housing's manufacturing precision to ensure proper optical alignment without requiring additional precision-adjustment 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 solution effectively reduces the profile of image capture devices when mounted, minimizing air resistance and improving integration with mounting devices by enabling image capture from alternative angles without altering the device's internal sensor assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The first lens assembly may include one or more lenses configured to refract light incident from an outer lens of the lens adapter into collimated light
Implementation Method 2
The optical device may be a front silvered mirror. The optical device may be at any angle, such as, for example, about 45 degrees
Implementation Method 3
The second lens assembly may include one or more lenses configured to refract light incident from an outer lens of the lenses into collimated light
Data Source
AI summary
A lens adapter is attached to an image capture device to lower the profile of the image capture device when mounted to a mounting device. The lens adapter includes a lens that refracts light incident from an outer lens of the lens adapter into collimated light. The lens adapter includes an optical device that alters the direction of the collimated light and directs the collimated light to an image capture device lens assembly.