Liquid Lens Electrode Control for Ultra-Close-Up Focus Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical devices struggle to capture ultra-close-up shots with clarity, often resulting in blurred peripheral parts due to hand tremors and focusing challenges.

Innovation Solution

The optical device employs an electro-wetting liquid lens with multiple electrode modules arranged around its periphery, controlled by a controller to adjust voltages for focus and compensation, allowing for precise focusing and stabilization, especially during ultra-close-up shots.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a related art optical device is held horizontally on a table, then it is easy to operate, but the light source is exposed to external contaminants such as dust and skin scales

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidexternal contaminants
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent rotates the optical device from a horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation, changing the spatial dimension in which the device operates. This dimensional change allows the light source to be positioned at the lower end where it is less exposed to contaminants floating in the air, while maintaining ease of operation through the handheld design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the conventional horizontal placement by holding the device vertically with the light source at the lower end rather than the upper end. This inversion reduces the exposure of the light source to external contaminants like dust and skin scales that naturally settle downward or float in the air.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the optical device is held vertically with light source at the lower end, then exposure to contaminants is reduced, but the structure becomes more complex requiring specific holder configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexternal contaminantsVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal holder that can accommodate multiple types of optical devices (different diameters and shapes) through a single standardized interface. The holder serves multiple functions: securing the device vertically, positioning the light source at the lower end, and providing a consistent connection interface, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the vertical orientation requirement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes in the holder design, specifically using adjustable clamping forces and modular components that can adapt to different device specifications. This allows the holder to maintain a standardized interface while accommodating variations in optical device dimensions, simplifying the overall structure compared to designing custom holders for each device type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If connection parts are tightly fitted to prevent disconnection, then connection reliability is improved, but insertion and removal operations become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidinsertion and removal
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic connection mechanism where the holder and connection parts feature elastic or spring-loaded components that provide tight fitting during operation for reliability, but allow for easy insertion and removal when force is applied. The connection maintains high holding force during use but can be quickly released by overcoming the elastic force, balancing reliability with ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the connection interface into distinct functional zones: an insertion zone with guide features for easy alignment, a holding zone with tight fitting surfaces for reliability during operation, and a release zone with mechanical advantage features for easy removal. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its function without compromising the others.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 clear ultra-close-up shots with the desired part in focus, reducing blur in peripheral areas and enhancing image quality.

Implementation Method 1

a lower end of the optical axis of the light source is located at a lower position than an upper end of the optical axis of the light source when the mobile terminal is in a standby state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

a light source, a condenser lens, a slide, and a camera; a lower end of an optical axis of the light source is located at a lower position than an upper end of the optical axis of the light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3767927B1Optical device and mobile terminal
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3767927B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP3767927B1 patent drawingFigure 1b~1c
  • EP3767927B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal comprising a liquid lens including: a side wall part; a first and a second glass layer which cover one surface and the other surface of the side wall part, respectively, to form a receiving part; a plurality of electrode modules, each of which is positioned on the side wall part and includes a first and a second electrode; an insulation layer covering the first electrode; a nonpolar liquid filled in the receiving part; and a polar liquid which is separated from the polar liquid in layers, is filled in the receiving part, and is in contact with the second electrode, wherein a boundary surface between the nonpolar liquid and the polar liquid changes into a shape protruding toward the polar liquid as a voltage applied to the electrode modules increases, and a control part differently controls at least a part of the voltage applied to the plurality of electrode modules to adjust a position of a protrusion of the boundary surface.