Lens Oblique Reflective Surface Light Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lenses require additional space and optical components, such as semi-transparent mirrors, to measure light intensity, which is not feasible for compact imaging devices.
Innovation Solution
A lens with a reflective surface aligned obliquely to the optical axis, allowing light to be coupled out without additional optical components, enabling compact design and space-saving measurements by reflecting light towards the edge region for intensity measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If semi-transparent mirrors are used to couple out light for measurement, then light intensity measurement is enabled, but device size increases and additional optical components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light coupling function with the lens structure by integrating a reflective surface directly into the lens. This eliminates the need for separate semi-transparent mirrors and allows light to be coupled out through the lens's own edge region, thereby reducing device size while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The lens is designed to serve multiple functions: it focuses light for imaging and simultaneously couples out light for measurement through its integrated reflective surface and edge region. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated measurement components, reducing overall device complexity and size
2Measurement precision
If semi-transparent mirrors are used to couple out light, then light measurement is possible, but additional optical component costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective surface is integrated into the lens structure, combining the light coupling function with the existing lens manufacturing process. This eliminates the need to purchase and assemble separate semi-transparent mirror components, reducing both material costs and assembly complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The lens structure itself provides the light coupling function through its integrated reflective surface and edge region design. The lens serves its own measurement needs without requiring external optical components, thereby eliminating additional component costs
3Measurement precision
If additional optical components are added for light coupling, then measurement capability is improved, but alignment tolerance sensitivity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the reflective surface directly into the lens structure, the patent eliminates separate alignment interfaces between the lens and external mirror components. The unified structure ensures fixed geometric relationships, reducing sensitivity to alignment tolerances and assembly variations
Solution Approach 2:
The lens structure provides its own light coupling mechanism through integrated reflective surfaces and edge regions, eliminating the need for external components that would require precise alignment. The self-contained design inherently reduces tolerance sensitivity
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 compact imaging device design with no additional optical component costs and minimal susceptibility to tolerances, allowing for efficient light intensity measurement and maintaining homogeneity of the luminous flux.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective surface (5) disposed between the object-side side (3) and the image-side side (4) of the lens (1), wherein a luminous flux (12) incident in the lens (1) is coupled out at the reflective surface (5) by reflection
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a lens having at least one object-side and at least one image-side refractive surface. In order to determine a light intensity of an effective luminous flux propagating through the lens without the need for additional components for coupling light out, the lens includes a reflective surface arranged between the object-side and the image-side refractive surfaces and aligned obliquely to the optical axis.