Imaging Lens with Focus-Tunable Liquid Element for Compact Cameras
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging lenses for portable devices face challenges in miniaturization and high performance, with lens driving devices increasing the size and power consumption, and requiring complex autofocus and optical image stabilizer functions.
Innovation Solution
A compact imaging lens design comprising six lenses, including a focus-tunable liquid lens, with specific refractive powers and surface configurations, and adhering to conditional expressions for optimal performance, minimizing physical space and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a lens driving device with multiple solid lenses is used to achieve autofocus and optical image stabilizer functions, then high-resolution imaging is achieved, but the device size and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the separate lens driving device from the optical system. Instead of using multiple solid lenses with dedicated driving mechanisms, the invention uses a single solid lens combined with a focus-tunable lens that can perform both autofocus and optical image stabilizer functions without requiring a separate driving device, thereby reducing device size while maintaining imaging resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The focus-tunable lens is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it provides both autofocus capability and optical image stabilizer function. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components, reducing the overall camera module size while achieving high-resolution imaging
2Ease of operation
If a lens driving device with magnets or coils is used to drive the lens, then autofocus function is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical lens driving system (using magnets or coils) with a focus-tunable lens that changes focal length through non-mechanical means. This substitution eliminates the need for power-consuming electromagnetic components while maintaining autofocus functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The focus-tunable lens changes its optical parameters (focal length) in response to external stimuli without requiring mechanical movement or electromagnetic actuation. This parameter change mechanism achieves autofocus function while significantly reducing power consumption compared to traditional mechanical driving systems
3Ease of operation
If a lens driving device with driving range space is used, then lens movement for focusing is achieved, but the space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for driving range space by eliminating the mechanical lens driving device. The solid lens position remains fixed, and focusing is achieved through the focus-tunable lens's ability to change focal length without physical movement, thereby eliminating the space requirement for lens traversal
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of moving the lens to achieve focusing (traditional approach requiring driving space), the invention inverts the approach by keeping the lens stationary and changing the optical properties of the focus-tunable lens. This inversion eliminates the need for driving space while maintaining lens movement capability for focusing
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 achieves high resolution and excellent aberration correction while maintaining a small form factor, enhancing imaging capabilities in portable devices.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid lens comprises an interface being formed as the first liquid and the second liquid are being in contact with each other, wherein the curvature of the interface of the liquid lens may be varied by an applied voltage
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the present invention relates to an imaging lens comprising: a first lens having positive (+) refractive power; a second lens having negative (−) refractive power; a third lens having negative (−) refractive power; a fourth lens; a fifth lens having negative (−) refractive power; and a sixth lens, wherein the first to sixth lenses are successively arranged from an object side to an image side, the first to third, fifth, and sixth lenses are solid lenses, and the fourth lens comprises a focus-tunable lens.