Interchangeable Lens Adapters for Optical Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging systems face challenges in achieving the correct field of view, depth of field, and working focal distance, particularly when these requirements are variable or unknown, leading to the need for multiple systems or complex and expensive zoom lenses that can contaminate the imaging system.
Innovation Solution
The development of interchangeable and adaptable optical assemblies that include a base with interchangeable lens adapters and adjustable-focus optics, allowing users to adjust the field of view, depth of field, and working focal distance by swapping lens adapters and using liquid lenses or translating optical elements to control focus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If zoom lenses are used to adjust field of view and working focal distance, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase, and debris contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into separate functional components: a fixed-focus base optics and interchangeable lens adapters. Each lens adapter is a simple optical element without moving parts, eliminating the complex zoom mechanism while maintaining adaptability through selection of different adapters for different field of view and working focal distance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
A single imaging system with fixed-focus base optics can perform multiple functions by accepting different lens adapters. The base optics serves as a universal platform that works with various lens adapters to achieve different optical characteristics, replacing the need for multiple complete imaging systems or complex zoom lenses.
2Adaptability or versatility
If zoom lenses are used to adjust field of view and working focal distance, then adaptability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the expensive fixed-focus base optics from the simpler interchangeable lens adapters. This segmentation allows the complex, costly component to be used once, while cheaper adapters can be manufactured in varieties to provide different optical functions, reducing overall system cost compared to zoom lenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens adapters are designed as simpler, cheaper optical elements that can be easily manufactured and replaced. Rather than investing in an expensive zoom lens mechanism, the system uses multiple affordable adapters that can be swapped as needed, reducing the overall cost burden.
3Adaptability or versatility
If zoom lenses are used to adjust field of view and working focal distance, then adaptability is improved, but debris contamination of imaging system occurs
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the optical system into a stationary base optics and interchangeable lens adapters, the invention eliminates the moving parts present in zoom lenses. Each lens adapter is a static optical element with no internal mechanisms, preventing debris generation from mechanical movement while still providing adaptability through adapter selection.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having a single optical element with moving parts (zoom lens), the invention inverts the approach by having a stationary optical element (base optics) with multiple static replacements (lens adapters). This inversion eliminates the harmful moving parts while achieving the same adaptability goal.
4Device complexity
If fixed-focus optics are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed-focus base optics serves as a universal platform that can work with multiple different lens adapters. This multi-functionality allows a single simple optical system to adapt to different application requirements by changing the lens adapter, maintaining simplicity while achieving versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces dynamic adaptability not through moving parts within a single optical element, but through the dynamic selection and replacement of entire lens adapters. The base optics remains static, but the system as a whole becomes adaptable through the interchangeability of lens adapters with different optical characteristics.
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
Enables flexible and cost-effective adjustment of optical properties without the need for multiple systems or complex zoom lenses, reducing debris contamination and improving system performance by allowing precise control of focal distance and field of view.
Implementation Method 1
using liquid lenses or translating optical elements to control focus
Implementation Method 2
Optical assemblies for adjusting working distance and field of view in an imaging system
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Embodiments of an apparatus comprising a base including a proximal end, a distal end, and a receptacle in the distal end that is adapted to interchangeably receive a lens adapter; a set of base optics positioned in the proximal end of the base; and adjustable-focus optics positioned in the base and optically coupled to the base optics and, when the lens adapter is present, to the lens adapter. Embodiments of a process including forming a base including a proximal end, a distal end, and a receptacle in the distal end that is adapted to interchangeably receive any one of a plurality of lens adapters; positioning a set of base optics in the proximal end of the base; and positioning adjustable-focus optics positioned in the base such that they are optically coupled to the base optics and, when the lens adapter is present, to the lens adapter. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.