Integrated Tunable Lens Assembly for Wearable Optics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera optical systems in wearable devices, such as headsets, have a basic single wide-angle lens that lacks dynamic focus adjustment, leading to limitations in image quality and alignment challenges due to separate tunable lens barrels, which are complex, expensive, and prone to mechanical issues.
Innovation Solution
An integrated optical assembly with one or more tunable lens elements is introduced, where the tunable lens is affixed to a mount and communicatively coupled to a controller via integrated electrodes within a single lens barrel, allowing for adjustable optical power and easier alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single wide-angle lens is used in wearable devices, then the device maintains a compact form factor, but the system lacks dynamic focus adjustment capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lens functions into a single integrated lens barrel by mounting both the fixed wide-angle lens and the tunable lens within the same barrel structure. This merging approach enables dynamic focus adjustment capability while maintaining a compact form factor and avoiding the complexity of separate lens barrels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a tunable lens that can dynamically change its optical power in response to applied signals. This dynamic element allows the optical system to adjust focus continuously, transforming a static optical system into an adaptable one capable of handling multiple focusing requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate tunable lens barrels are used, then dynamic focus adjustment is achieved, but mechanical complexity and alignment issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating both the fixed lens and tunable lens within a single lens barrel, the patent eliminates the mechanical interfaces and alignment requirements between separate barrels. This unified structure significantly improves mechanical stability and reduces alignment issues while maintaining focus adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a common mount structure that serves as an intermediary platform for both lenses. This mount provides a stable mechanical foundation and simplified alignment reference, reducing the complexity of mounting and improving overall mechanical reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate lens barrels are used, then various optical functions are achieved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple lens mounting functions into a single lens barrel structure, reducing the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This approach simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces assembly steps, and lowers overall production cost while maintaining full optical functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens barrel is designed as a multi-functional platform that can accommodate both fixed lenses and tunable lenses within the same structure. This universal design allows a single manufacturing process to produce barrels that serve multiple optical functions, improving ease of manufacture and reducing complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a tunable lens is added to the optical system, then dynamic focus control is enabled, but the number of components and electrical connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the electrical connection for the tunable lens directly into the lens mount structure. By combining the mechanical mounting function and electrical connection function into a single integrated component, the number of separate electrical connections is reduced, and the overall system complexity is lowered while maintaining optical power adjustment capability.
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
This solution enhances image quality by enabling dynamic focus adjustment within a compact, cost-effective, and robust optical system, reducing mechanical complexity and improving alignment precision.
Implementation Method 1
The tunable lens is configured to adjust its optical power in accordance with an applied signal
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated optical assembly with one or more integrated tunable lens elements within a lens barrel is described. The integrated optical assembly may be a part of an imaging device. The integrated optical assembly may include an optical element, a tunable lens element, and a lens barrel. The tunable lens element includes a tunable lens that is affixed to and communicatively coupled to a mount and is configured to adjust its optical power in accordance with an applied signal. The lens barrel is configured to hold the tunable lens element in optical series with at least one other optical element within the lens barrel. The lens barrel includes an integrated electrode that communicatively couples the mount to a controller which supplies the applied signal.