Liquid Lens Temperature Control for Compact Camera Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable optical devices face challenges in achieving high resolution, compact size, and various photographing functions like optical zoom and auto-focusing without increasing size and power consumption, particularly due to the need for multiple lens modules and protective cover glasses.
Innovation Solution
A liquid lens with a conductive and non-conductive liquid interface, temperature-sensing, and heating units, along with a control circuit to maintain a predetermined temperature range, allowing for adjustable focal length and reduced power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lens modules are used to achieve various photographing functions (optical zoom, auto-focusing, hand-tremor compensation), then the photographing functions are improved, but the size of the optical device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple photographing functions (auto-focusing, hand-tremor compensation, optical zoom) into a single liquid lens module. The liquid lens uses different liquid layers (conductive and non-conductive liquids) with controlled interfaces to achieve multiple functions through electrical control, eliminating the need for separate lens modules for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid lens is designed as a universal optical component that can perform multiple photographing functions simultaneously. By controlling the interface between different liquid layers through applied voltages, the lens can adjust focal length (auto-focusing), compensate for hand tremor, and achieve optical zoom, making one component serve multiple purposes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a lens-moving apparatus is used to move lens modules for auto-focusing and hand-tremor compensation, then the photographing functions are achieved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical lens-moving apparatus with an electrically controlled liquid lens system. Instead of physically moving solid lens modules using motors or actuators, the invention uses electrical voltages to control the interface between liquid layers, achieving auto-focusing and hand-tremor compensation through fluid deformation rather than mechanical displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid lens achieves different optical states by changing physical parameters of the liquid interface through applied voltages. By controlling the electrical parameters (voltage, current) to the liquid layers, the focal length and other optical properties are dynamically adjusted without mechanical movement, reducing power consumption.
3Reliability
If a separate cover glass is provided to protect the lens-moving apparatus, then the lens module is protected, but the overall thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for a separate protective cover glass by removing the vulnerable mechanical lens-moving apparatus. Since the liquid lens has no moving mechanical parts, it inherently requires less protection, allowing the overall structure to be thinner while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid lens is contained within thin plate structures (first plate, second plate, third plate) that form a compact encapsulation. These thin plates provide sufficient protection for the liquid components while minimizing thickness, replacing the need for bulky cover glasses.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the temperature of the liquid lens varies, then the operating conditions change, but the diopter becomes unstable causing image blur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a temperature control system with feedback mechanisms to monitor and adjust the temperature of the liquid lens. Temperature sensors detect the current temperature, and the control system adjusts heating or cooling to maintain the temperature within a predetermined range, ensuring stable diopter and preventing image blur.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid lens is designed to operate within a specific temperature range where the optical properties of the liquids remain stable. By controlling the temperature parameter through heating or cooling mechanisms, the system maintains consistent refractive indices and interface properties, ensuring stable focal length and diopter across different operating conditions.
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 maintains a constant diopter within a temperature range, preventing image blur and reducing the size and power requirements of camera modules, enabling improved performance in portable devices.
Implementation Method 1
one of the heating unit and the temperature-sensing unit may include a resistor
Implementation Method 2
the temperature-sensing unit or the heating unit may include a resistor
Implementation Method 3
a liquid lens configured to electrically adjust the curvature of an interface between two types of liquids
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid lens includes a first plate including a cavity accommodating a conductive liquid and a non-conductive liquid; second and third plates disposed above and below the first plate, respectively, the second and third plates defining the cavity together with the first plate; a common electrode disposed so as to extend to the conductive liquid from a position between the first plate and the third plate; a plurality of individual electrodes disposed between the first plate and the second plate, the plurality of individual electrodes being electrically isolated from each other; and a temperature-sensing unit disposed inside at least one of the first plate, the second plate, or the third plate.