Liquid Lens Membrane Fluid Repulsion Auto-Focus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image pickup devices in mobile electronic devices face challenges in achieving auto-focus, zoom, and close-up functions with variable focal length, requiring innovative optical solutions that are compact, cost-effective, and durable.
Innovation Solution
A liquid lens system utilizing a transparent elastomer membrane and a low-viscosity, chemically stable fluid with repulsive properties to prevent fluid penetration, allowing for adjustable focal length through applied pressure, enabling auto-focus, zoom, and close-up functions while maintaining optical performance and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a liquid lens uses a transparent membrane and fluid to achieve variable focal length, then the device can provide auto-focus and zoom functions, but the fluid may be absorbed or penetrate into the membrane, reducing durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the membrane material by selecting specific elastomers (such as polydimethylsiloxane or hydrocarbon-based elastomers) with controlled hydrophobicity or olephobicity. This parameter change creates repulsion against specific fluid types (aqueous or oil-based), preventing fluid absorption and penetration while maintaining the liquid lens's variable focal length capability through membrane deformation.
2Ease of operation
If the liquid lens membrane is made porous to allow fluid interaction, then focal length adjustment is enabled, but fluid penetration into the membrane occurs, compromising optical performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a differentiated membrane structure where the outer surface possesses repulsive properties (hydrophobic or oleophobic) to prevent fluid penetration, while the inner surface maintains elasticity and porosity to allow fluid interaction for focal length adjustment. This localized differentiation of material properties enables both operational flexibility and optical precision.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional materials are used for membrane and fluid, then manufacturing is easier, but fluid absorption reduces operational lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material strategy by selecting elastomers that combine multiple properties: transparency for optical clarity, elasticity for deformability, and specific surface chemistry (hydrophobic or oleophobic groups) for fluid repulsion. Examples include polydimethylsiloxane with modified side chains or hydrocarbon-based elastomers with controlled polarity, creating a composite material system that resists fluid absorption while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
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 system provides superior optical performance and durability by preventing fluid absorption into the membrane, enabling fast response times and precise control of focal length, thus enhancing the functionality of image pickup devices.
Implementation Method 1
The membrane and the fluid are respectively made of materials repulsive to each other, for example, hydrophilic and hydrophobic materials or oleophilic and oleophobic materials
Implementation Method 2
The membrane and the fluid are respectively made of materials repulsive to each other, for example, hydrophilic and hydrophobic materials or oleophilic and oleophobic materials
Data Source
AI summary
A variable-focus liquid lens is provided. The liquid lens includes a membrane and a fluid. The membrane is made of a transparent elastomer, and the fluid fills a predetermined space to contact at least a lens surface of the membrane. The membrane and the fluid are respectively made of materials repulsive to each other, for example, hydrophilic and hydrophobic materials or oleophilic and oleophobic materials. Accordingly, a repulsive force between the fluid and the membrane can prevent the absorption or leaking of the fluid into/through the membrane.