Liquid Lens Membrane Actuation for Gravity-Independent Focus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical lens systems have complex setups for exchanging fluids to influence internal pressure and volume, leading to issues with gravity effects and contamination, as well as sealing problems.
Innovation Solution
A closed optical system with a flexible membrane separating chambers filled with fluids of the same or different refractive indices, where the membrane's shape and optical properties are adjusted using actuators, eliminating the need for external fluid exchange and minimizing gravity's impact, and ensuring a sealed and contamination-free environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fluid exchange mechanisms are used to adjust lens parameters, then optical characteristics can be varied, but sealing problems and contamination risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fluid exchange mechanism from the lens system, replacing it with a closed cavity containing a fixed volume of liquid. Optical adjustment is achieved by deforming the flexible membrane through electromagnetic actuators rather than exchanging fluid, thereby eliminating sealing problems and contamination risks while maintaining adaptability of optical characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical fluid exchange system with an electromagnetic actuation system. Electromagnetic actuators deform the flexible membrane to change the liquid lens curvature and optical properties, eliminating the need for mechanical fluid exchange components and their associated sealing issues.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid structures are used to contain liquid, then structural stability is improved, but gravity effects and vibrations influence the liquid lens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible membrane to contain the liquid instead of rigid structures. This flexible containment allows the liquid lens to maintain its shape and optical properties independently of external gravity and vibration effects, while still providing structural stability through the elasticity and tension of the membrane.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex fluid exchange systems are implemented, then optical parameter adjustment is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex fluid exchange systems (pumps, valves, reservoirs) from the lens structure, replacing them with a simple closed cavity and flexible membrane. Optical parameter adjustment is achieved through electromagnetic actuators that directly deform the membrane, dramatically simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining full adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical fluid exchange systems with electromagnetic actuation. This substitution eliminates multiple mechanical components and their interconnections, reducing device complexity while enabling precise optical parameter adjustment through field-based control.
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 system provides a simple, robust, and gravity-independent optical solution with adjustable optical characteristics, avoiding sealing issues and contamination, and enabling miniaturization and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
A first chamber (29) and a second chamber (30) are separated by a flexible membrane (6). The chambers (29, 30) are filled by a first and a second liquid having different index of refraction.
Implementation Method 2
A first chamber (29) and a second chamber (30) are separated by a flexible membrane (6). The shape of the liquid-liquid interface (6) is deformable by an actuator (11, 12).
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7a~7c
AI summary
The invention relates to an optical system (1, 20, 27, 49, 65) comprising a housing (2, 13, 28, 50) with an opening (3, 67, 93) extending in axial direction (z) and at least one membrane (6, 21, 22, 59) arranged across the opening (3, 67, 93), defining at the inside of the housing (2, 13, 31 , 41 , 50, 56) at least one chamber (7, 8,14, 15, 29, 30) filled with a fluid, whereby the membrane comprises an optically active and an optically passive section (6.1, 6.2, 96, 97, 98) and at least one actuator (11, 12) to influence the geometry of the optically active section of the membrane (6, 21 , 22, 29) by relocation of the fluid, thereby changing the optical characteristics of the optical system (1, 20, 27, 49, 65), and wherein the optical system comprises on one side of the membrane several chambers or areas which are interconnected to each other via channels or openings to exchange volumes of fluid within the optical system and to thereby influence the optical characteristics of the optical system.