Liquid Lens Autofocus via Electrowetting

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional camera modules with multiple lenses for autofocus and optical image stabilization functions are bulky and power-intensive due to the need for mechanical lens movement, which increases the device thickness and power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A camera module utilizing a liquid lens with a conductive and non-conductive liquid interface, where the curvature is adjusted using electrowetting to achieve autofocus and optical image stabilization, reducing the module's size and power consumption by eliminating the need for mechanical lens movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical lens movement is used for autofocus and optical image stabilization, then these functions can be achieved, but the device size and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautofocus and optical image stabilization functionsVSAvoidcamera module size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical lens movement system with a liquid lens system that uses electrical fields to control the curvature of the liquid interface. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical moving parts, reducing the camera module size while maintaining autofocus and optical image stabilization functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the state of the lens from a fixed mechanical structure to a dynamic liquid interface whose curvature can be controlled by electrical parameters. By applying voltage to the conductive liquid, the curvature of the liquid interface changes, enabling focus adjustment without mechanical movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical lens movement is used for autofocus and optical image stabilization, then these functions can be achieved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautofocus and optical image stabilization functionsVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical lens movement system with a liquid lens system that uses electrical fields to control the curvature of the liquid interface. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical moving parts, reducing the camera module size while maintaining autofocus and optical image stabilization functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the state of the lens from a fixed mechanical structure to a dynamic liquid interface whose curvature can be controlled by electrical parameters. By applying voltage to the conductive liquid, the curvature of the liquid interface changes, enabling focus adjustment without mechanical movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple lenses are combined to achieve various photographing functions, then functional versatility is improved, but the optical device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephotographing functionsVSAvoidoptical device size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a single liquid lens that can perform multiple functions including autofocus, optical image stabilization, and various photographing modes by dynamically adjusting the curvature of its liquid interface. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for multiple separate lenses, reducing the overall optical device size while maintaining versatility.

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 liquid lens module effectively reduces the camera module's size and power consumption while preventing image distortion and flare by blocking light at the cavity edges with a stepped structure, enabling high-performance autofocus and stabilization functions in portable devices.

Implementation Method 1

a liquid lens configured to electrically adjust the curvature of an interface between two kinds of liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrowetting: Electrowetting

Implementation Method 2

blocking the light incident on the edge of a cavity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS11526064B2Liquid lens and camera module including the same

Publication Date: 2022.12.13 LG INNOTEK CO LTD

AI summary

An embodiment provides a liquid lens including a first plate comprising a cavity formed therein to accommodate a first liquid, which is non-conductive, and a second liquid, which is conductive, therein, the first plate being conductive, an electrode disposed on the first plate, a second plate disposed on the electrode, the second plate being non-conductive, a third plate disposed under the first plate, and an insulation layer disposed between the first plate and the electrode and between the second liquid and the first plate.