Folded-Path Lens Assembly for Compact High-Resolution Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of lenses in mobile phone lens assemblies leads to longer total length and larger outer diameter, contradicting the requirements of miniaturization and high resolution, necessitating a new structure that balances these factors.
Innovation Solution
A lens assembly design comprising a first lens, a second lens, a third lens, a fourth lens, and a reflective element, arranged along an optical axis, with specific refractive powers and surface configurations, including concave and convex surfaces, to achieve a shortened total lens length and decreased outer diameter while maintaining high resolution and optical performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of lenses is increased to achieve high resolution, then the resolution is improved, but the total length and outer diameter of the lens assembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflective element (mirror) to fold the optical path, changing the linear arrangement into a folded configuration. This allows the light to traverse a longer effective optical path within a shorter physical length by utilizing the third dimension (folding back), thereby achieving high resolution with reduced total lens length
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges lenses and the reflective element in a compact nested configuration where components are positioned closely together along the optical axis. The reflective element is disposed between specific lenses, creating a space-efficient nested structure that maintains multiple lens elements for high resolution while minimizing the overall assembly length
2Measurement precision
If the number of lenses is increased to achieve high resolution, then the resolution is improved, but the outer diameter of the lens assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
By folding the optical path using the reflective element, the patent enables the optical system to achieve longer effective focal length and higher resolution without increasing the outer diameter. The folded configuration packs the optical path length into the axial direction rather than requiring increased radial size
3Length of stationary object
If the total lens length is shortened for miniaturization, then the device size is reduced, but the optical performance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective element folds the optical path, allowing the light to travel a longer effective distance through multiple lenses while maintaining a short physical assembly length. This preserves the optical performance that would normally require longer lens arrangements by utilizing the folded optical path in the third dimension
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces part of the refractive optical system with a reflective element (mirror), which has different optical properties. The reflective element provides path folding without the chromatic aberrations associated with additional refractive lenses, maintaining optical performance while enabling compact configuration
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 effectively shortens the total lens length, decreases the outer diameter, increases resolution, corrects aberrations, and facilitates easy manufacturing, while maintaining good optical performance.
Implementation Method 1
The reflective element includes a reflective surface... The reflective element is disposed between the first lens and the fifth lens
Implementation Method 2
The first lens is with refractive power... The second lens is with refractive power... The third lens is with refractive power... The fourth lens is with refractive power... The fifth lens is with refractive power
Data Source
AI summary
A lens assembly includes a first lens, a second lens, a third lens, a fourth lens, a fifth lens, and a reflective element. The first lens is with refractive power and includes a concave surface facing an object side along an axis. The second lens is with refractive power and includes a convex surface facing the object side along the axis. The third, fourth, and fifth lenses are with refractive power. The reflective element includes a reflective surface. The first, second, third, fourth, and fifth lenses are arranged in order from the object side to an image side along the axis. The reflective element is disposed between the first lens and the fifth lens. The lens assembly satisfies: 2 mm<L<6 mm; wherein L is an interval from an object side surface of the first lens to the reflective surface along the axis.