Lens Assembly Optical Path Folding for Compact Imaging Layouts
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of integrating a lens assembly with good optical performance into compact electronic devices is exacerbated by limited space, which restricts design freedom and arrangement of lenses or image sensors.
Innovation Solution
A lens assembly with at least two lenses aligned along a first optical axis, featuring an optical member that refracts or reflects light twice, and satisfies specific geometric and optical parameters, including a dispersion value and angle constraints, to optimize space utilization and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number or size of lens assembly is increased to secure good optical performance, then optical performance is improved, but device size increases and design freedom is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a optical member (prism or reflector) that redirects the optical path at an angle, allowing the lens assembly to be disposed in a narrow space adjacent to the image sensor rather than directly above it. This dimensional change in optical path arrangement enables compact device size while maintaining the necessary optical performance through proper light guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a optical member as an intermediary element between the lens assembly and the image sensor. This optical member (prism or reflector) mediates the light path, enabling the lens assembly to be positioned in a constrained space while still delivering light effectively to the image sensor, thus resolving the contradiction between compact size and optical performance.
2Volume of moving object
If the lens assembly is miniaturized to fit narrow spaces, then device compactness is improved, but design freedom and arrangement flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing a optical member to redirect light at an angle, the patent creates design freedom in the arrangement of optical components. The lens assembly can be positioned in various locations adjacent to the image sensor rather than being constrained to a direct linear arrangement, enhancing adaptability in compact device design.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical member serves as a flexible intermediary that enables multiple arrangement configurations. It allows the lens assembly to be positioned in different locations while still achieving proper light guidance to the image sensor, thereby maintaining design freedom even in miniaturized devices.
3Volume of moving object
If the lens assembly is disposed in narrow space, then device compactness is improved, but optical performance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The optical member acts as a mediator that preserves optical performance in compact configurations. By properly designing the optical member (prism or reflector) with appropriate angles and surfaces, the patent ensures that light is effectively guided from the lens assembly to the image sensor even when the lens assembly is disposed in a narrow space, thus maintaining optical performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dimensional change in the optical path through the optical member to maintain optical performance in compact devices. The angled light guidance created by the optical member allows sufficient optical path length and proper light convergence even when the overall device size is reduced, preventing optical performance deterioration.
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 enables easy disposition of the lens assembly in narrow spaces while maintaining optical performance, allowing for focusing, image stabilization, and subject tracking functions, enhancing design flexibility in miniaturized electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one optical member configured to receive light incident through the at least two lenses, and refract or reflect the light at least twice, to guide or emit the light to the image sensor
Implementation Method 2
the at least one optical member configured to receive light incident through the at least two lenses, and refract or reflect the light at least twice, to guide or emit the light to the image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a lens assembly comprising at least two lenses aligned along a first optical axis; an image sensor configured to receive light guided or condensed through the at least two lenses; and at least one optical member disposed between the at least two lenses and the image sensor to receive light incident through the at least two lenses, and refract or reflect the light at least twice, to guide or emit the light to the image sensor, where a ratio of a longer side of an imaging surface of the image sensor to a longer side of an emission surface of a first optical member closest to the image sensor is within a specified range.