Imaging Lens Light-Absorbing Layer for Stray Light Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing imaging lens assemblies for portable electronic devices struggle to effectively capture non-imaging light, leading to reduced imaging quality and increased size due to the need for complex light blocking structures.

Innovation Solution

An imaging lens assembly comprising a plastic lens barrel, an optical lens element set with an annular step structure, and a light-absorbing layer. The light-absorbing layer is coated on the annular step structure and connected to the plastic lens barrel, enhancing optical density and retaining the optical lens elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If complex light blocking structures are used to capture non-imaging light, then imaging quality is improved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging qualityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the light blocking function with the existing lens structure by integrating a light-absorbing layer onto the lens element itself. This merging eliminates the need for separate complex light blocking structures, thereby improving imaging quality while avoiding device size increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a light-absorbing layer as an intermediary substance between the lens element and the surrounding environment. This intermediary material selectively absorbs non-imaging light while allowing imaging light to pass through, achieving improved imaging quality without requiring complex mechanical light blocking structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If light blocking structures are added to block non-imaging light, then imaging quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging qualityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the light blocking function into the lens element structure itself by coating a light-absorbing layer on the lens. This integration eliminates the need for separate light blocking components, thereby improving imaging quality while reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical light blocking structures with an optical solution - a light-absorbing layer that selectively absorbs non-imaging light. This substitution eliminates mechanical complexity while achieving the same imaging quality improvement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional lens retention methods are used, then manufacturing is simple, but light blocking capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidnon-imaging light

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the lens element multi-functional by integrating both the optical function and the light blocking function into a single component. The light-absorbing layer coating on the lens element simultaneously retains the lens and blocks non-imaging light, achieving manufacturing simplicity while improving light blocking capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 effectively blocks non-imaging light, enhances imaging quality, and achieves a compact size by simplifying the light blocking structure and improving the retention of optical lens elements.

Implementation Method 1

at least one portion of the light-absorbing layer is coated on the annular step structure, and at least another one portion of the light-absorbing layer is connected to the minimum opening of the plastic lens barrel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12298595B2Imaging lens assembly, camera module and electronic device

Publication Date: 2025.05.13 LARGAN PRECISION

AI summary

An imaging lens assembly includes a plastic lens barrel, an optical lens element set and a light-absorbing layer. The plastic lens barrel includes a minimum opening. The optical lens element set includes a plurality of optical lens elements, wherein the optical lens elements includes a first optical lens element closest to an object side of the optical lens element set, and the first optical lens element includes an effective optical surface, a peripheral surface and an annular step structure. At least one portion of the light-absorbing layer is coated on the annular step structure, and at least another one portion of the light-absorbing layer is connected to the minimum opening of the plastic lens barrel. The light-absorbing layer is for retaining the first optical lens element on the plastic lens barrel.