Lens Adjustment Assembly Using Electrically Active Polymer

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lens adjustment assemblies for imaging devices are complex and expensive due to their mechanical nature, particularly as image sensor sizes decrease, necessitating a more efficient and cost-effective solution for focus and zoom adjustments.

Innovation Solution

Employing an electrically active polymer (EAP) element enclosed within a chamber containing a non-compressible fluid, which responds to electrical signals to expand or contract, causing displacement of the fluid to move the lens for focus and zoom adjustments, thereby simplifying the lens adjustment mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional electromechanical or piezoelectric techniques are used for lens adjustment, then focus and zoom adjustment functionality is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocus and zoom adjustmentVSAvoidlens adjustment assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional electromechanical or piezoelectric mechanical systems with an electrically active polymer-based system. The EAP element directly converts electrical signals to mechanical expansion/contraction, eliminating complex mechanical linkages, motors, and gears while achieving the same focus and zoom adjustment functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the electrophoretic properties of the EAP element, where applying an electrical voltage changes the material's physical state from contracted to expanded. This parameter change (electrical to mechanical) enables direct control of lens position without mechanical intermediaries, reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Volume of moving object

If image sensor sizes decrease, then imaging device miniaturization is achieved, but lens adjustment complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging deviceVSAvoidlens adjustment assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

For miniaturized imaging devices with small image sensors, the patent replaces bulky electromechanical lens adjustment mechanisms with a compact EAP-based system. The polymer element's direct electrical-to-mechanical conversion enables effective lens control in reduced form factors where conventional mechanical systems would be too large and complex.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If conventional mechanical lens adjustment is used, then focus and zoom control is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocus and zoom controlVSAvoidlens adjustment assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces manufacturing cost by replacing expensive electromechanical components (motors, gears, bearings) with a simpler EAP element and fluid system. The polymer-based approach uses fewer parts, reducing assembly complexity and manufacturing expenses while maintaining the same focus and zoom control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a fluid-filled chamber where the EAP element's expansion pushes fluid to move the lens. This hydraulic approach replaces complex mechanical transmission systems with a simpler fluid-pressure-based mechanism, reducing part count and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 approach reduces the complexity and cost of lens adjustment systems while providing precise control over focus and zoom, allowing for more accurate positioning of the lens relative to the image sensor, even in smaller form factors.

Implementation Method 1

an electrically active polymer (EAP) element enclosed within a chamber containing a non-compressible fluid, which responds to electrical signals to expand or contract

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrically active polymer expansion/contraction: Electroactive Polymer

Data Source

PatentUS7504608B2Lens adjustment assembly having an electrically active polymer

Publication Date: 2009.03.17 APTINA IMAGING CORP

AI summary

A lens assembly and method of adjusting a lens assembly using an electrically active polymer element. The assembly comprises a lens; a pixel array for receiving an image through said lens via an optical path; a moveable element for changing the optical properties of said optical path; and at least one electrically active polymer for changing volume in response to an applied voltage, said polymer being coupled to said moveable element such that changes in volume of said polymer causes movement of said moveable element.