Folded Zoom Lens Assembly for Compact Telephoto Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical systems struggle to balance high image quality, low sensitivity, proper aperture size, miniaturization, and field of view, especially in compact electronic devices, and existing zoom mechanisms in mobile phones result in poor image quality and increased device size.
Innovation Solution
An imaging optical lens assembly with two lens groups, each having lens elements with specific refractive powers and inflection points, and incorporating reflective elements for optical path folding, allowing for optical zoom and focus without mechanical extension, while maintaining compactness and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a conventional telephoto lens is used to achieve mid-to-long-range photographing, then the focal length is increased, but the total length becomes overly long and the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested lens structure where multiple lens elements are arranged in a compact configuration. The first lens group and second lens group are positioned such that they overlap or interleave in the optical path, allowing the telephoto function to be achieved within a shortened total length. This nesting approach enables the system to pack more optical power into a smaller axial space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a folded optical path using reflective elements (mirrors or prisms) that bend the light path at angles. Instead of a straight linear arrangement, the optical path is folded back on itself, effectively adding spatial dimensions to the optical design. This allows the focal length to be extended without proportionally increasing the device's external dimensions.
2Illumination intensity
If the aperture size is increased to improve light gathering capability, then the image quality is improved, but the lens size and sensitivity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the refractive indices and curvatures of multiple lens elements to achieve high light gathering capability with a smaller physical aperture. By carefully selecting and arranging lens materials with different optical properties, the system can concentrate light more efficiently, achieving good illumination intensity without requiring a large aperture that would increase the overall lens volume.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lenses with different focal lengths are used to achieve zoom effects, then the field of view is improved, but the device complexity and occupied space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a single lens assembly that performs multiple functions: it provides both wide-angle and telephoto capabilities through internal movement of lens groups, and also achieves focus adjustment. The first and second lens groups can move relative to each other to change the effective focal length, allowing one compact assembly to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate lenses for different shooting scenarios.
4Volume of moving object
If a fixed-focus telephoto lens combined with digital zoom is used, then the device size is reduced, but the image quality decreases due to lack of true optical zoom
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic optical system where lens groups can move along the optical axis to change the focal length. This mechanical movement of optical elements enables true optical zoom functionality within a compact form factor, avoiding the quality degradation associated with digital zoom while maintaining a reduced device size compared to traditional telephoto lenses.
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 provides a balanced optical system with improved image quality, flexibility, and reduced size, enabling high-quality mid-to-long-range photography with simplified mechanisms and reduced device space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
Each lens element of the two lens groups has an object-side surface facing toward the object side and an image-side surface facing toward the image side. At least one of the object-side surface and the image-side surface of at least one lens element of the two lens groups has at least one inflection point in an off-axis region thereof.
Implementation Method 2
incorporating reflective elements for optical path folding, allowing for optical zoom and focus without mechanical extension
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging optical lens assembly includes two lens groups which are, in order from an object side to an image side along an optical path: a first lens group and a second lens group. The imaging optical lens assembly has a first state corresponding to an infinite object distance. The imaging optical lens assembly at the first state has a long-focal-end first state corresponding to a long focal end and a short-focal-end first state corresponding to a short focal end during a zoom process. At least one lens group of the two lens groups moves along a direction parallel to an optical axis during the zoom process. The first lens group has positive refractive power. At least one of an object-side surface and an image-side surface of at least one lens element of the two lens groups has at least one inflection point in an off-axis region thereof.