Liquid Lens Array Camera Module for Compact Focusing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera modules require mechanical moving parts for focusing and anti-shake functions, leading to increased size, complexity, and vulnerability to damage.
Innovation Solution
A camera module utilizing an optical array with refractive elements, each comprising a housing with immiscible liquids and electrodes that adjust the interface between the liquids to deflect light, allowing for focusing and anti-shake functions without mechanical parts, thereby reducing size and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a voice coil motor is used to drive the lens barrel for focusing, then the focusing function is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and occupies large volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical voice coil motor system with an optical array consisting of multiple refractive elements. Each refractive element uses electrodes to control the interface between immiscible liquids, thereby adjusting light refraction without mechanical movement. This substitution eliminates motors, gears, and moving lens barrels, achieving focusing functionality through optical property modulation instead of mechanical displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the optical system into multiple independent refractive elements arranged in an array. Each element can be independently controlled by its own electrodes, allowing precise local adjustment of light paths. This segmentation enables the system to achieve complex focusing and anti-shake functions through coordinated control of simple individual elements, reducing overall structural complexity.
2Reliability
If a voice coil motor is used to drive the lens barrel for focusing, then the focusing function is achieved, but the volume occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical voice coil motor system with an optical array consisting of multiple refractive elements. Each refractive element uses electrodes to control the interface between immiscible liquids, thereby adjusting light refraction without mechanical movement. This substitution eliminates motors, gears, and moving lens barrels, achieving focusing functionality through optical property modulation instead of mechanical displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds multiple functional components within a compact integrated structure. The electrodes are positioned within or adjacent to the refractive elements, and the immiscible liquids are contained within sealed chambers of each element. This nested arrangement allows the focusing mechanism to be integrated into a compact form factor without requiring separate motor housing and mechanical transmission components.
3Reliability
If a voice coil motor is used for mechanical drive, then the focusing function is achieved, but the structure is liable to be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical voice coil motor system with an optical array consisting of multiple refractive elements. Each refractive element uses electrodes to control the interface between immiscible liquids, thereby adjusting light refraction without mechanical movement. This substitution eliminates motors, gears, and moving lens barrels, achieving focusing functionality through optical property modulation instead of mechanical displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces immiscible liquids as an intermediary medium between the electrodes and the light path. The electrodes control the shape and position of the liquid-liquid interface, which in turn controls light refraction. This intermediary approach allows electrical signals to control optical properties without requiring direct mechanical coupling, eliminating wear and damage risks associated with mechanical contacts and moving parts.
4Power
If the electrode is arranged on the outer surface of the housing, then the electrode can generate electric field effectively, but the electrode may contact the liquids causing short circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hydrophobic layer as an intermediary barrier between the electrode and the liquids. This layer allows the electrode to be positioned close to the liquid interface for effective electric field generation while preventing direct contact between the conductive electrode and the liquids. The hydrophobic property of this layer specifically repels the polar liquid, providing reliable electrical isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface properties of the housing by applying a hydrophobic coating. This parameter change in surface energy and wettability creates a selective barrier that repels the polar liquid while allowing the electrode to function nearby. The hydrophobic layer modifies the interaction between the electrode assembly and the liquids, enabling close proximity without electrical contact.
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 focusing and anti-shake capabilities while minimizing structural complexity and vulnerability to damage, with a compact design that maintains imaging quality by adjusting the refractive index and interface shape to direct light effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The electrode, when being energized, is capable of generating an electric field acting on at least one of the first liquid and the second liquid in the chamber to change an interface between the first liquid and the second liquid
Implementation Method 2
The electrode, when being energized, is capable of generating an electric field acting on at least one of the first liquid and the second liquid in the chamber to change an interface between the first liquid and the second liquid
Implementation Method 3
a hydrophobic layer configured to repel the first liquid is arranged on an inner surface, facing towards the chamber, of at least one of the upper wall, the lower wall, or the side wall
Implementation Method 4
A refractive index of the first liquid is different from a refractive index of the second liquid. The optical array includes a plurality of refractive elements arranged in an array
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A camera module (10) includes: a lens group (11) including lenses; an optical array (12) including a plurality of refractive elements (120) arranged in an array, and an image sensor (13) arranged on an image side of the lens group (11) and the optical array (12), and configured to receive light passing through the lens group (11) and the optical array (12). Each of the plurality of refractive elements (120) includes a housing (121), electrodes (123), a first liquid (124) and a second liquid (125). A chamber (122) is defined in the housing (121). The first liquid (124) and the second liquid (125) are filled in the chamber (122) and are immiscible with each other. A refractive index of the first liquid (124) is different from a refractive index of the second liquid (125). The electrode (123), when being energized, is capable of generating an electric field that acts on at least one of the first liquid (124) and the second liquid (125) in the chamber (122) to change an interface (1241) between the first liquid (124) and the second liquid (125).