Liquid Lens Multi-Layer Window Temperature Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Liquid lenses with multi-layer windows face challenges in maintaining optical performance over a wide temperature range due to changes in liquid volume, which can alter the focal length and optical power.

Innovation Solution

A liquid lens design featuring a cavity between two windows, with a multi-layer structure comprising an interior ply, an exterior ply, and a deformable spacer where the refractive index of the interior ply matches that of the spacer, allowing the interior ply to deflect without changing the exterior ply's curvature, thus maintaining the focal length and optical power despite temperature-induced liquid expansion or contraction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the liquid lens operates over a wide temperature range, then the adaptability is improved, but the focal length and optical power change due to liquid volume expansion or contraction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature rangeVSAvoidfocal length stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the window structure by introducing a multi-layer configuration with different thermal expansion coefficients. The first and second windows have different coefficients of thermal expansion, which allows them to deform differently in response to temperature changes, thereby compensating for liquid volume expansion and maintaining focal length stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite window structure consisting of multiple layers with different material properties. By combining materials with different thermal expansion characteristics, the window system can accommodate temperature-induced volume changes in the liquid without transmitting these changes to the focal length, thus resolving the contradiction between temperature adaptability and optical stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Device complexity

If a single-layer window structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to accommodate temperature-induced liquid volume changes is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewindow structureVSAvoidtemperature compensation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the window into multiple segments or layers (first window and second window with different thermal expansion coefficients). This segmentation allows each layer to independently respond to temperature changes, providing the necessary degrees of freedom to accommodate liquid volume expansion while maintaining overall structural integrity and optical performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-layer (one-dimensional) window structure to a multi-layer (two-dimensional or three-dimensional) structure. This dimensional complexity enables the window system to accommodate temperature-induced deformations in multiple directions, providing enhanced adaptability to temperature changes without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This design enables the liquid lens to accommodate temperature-related changes in liquid volume without altering its focal length or optical power, ensuring consistent optical performance across a broad temperature range.

Implementation Method 1

a deformable spacer disposed between the interior ply and the exterior ply... causes an index-matched boundary between the interior ply and the deformable spacer to deform

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

A refractive index of the interior ply is substantially the same as a refractive index of the deformable spacer, whereby an index-matched boundary is formed between the interior ply and the deformable spacer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 3

Heating the liquid lens from a first temperature of 20° C. to a second temperature of 85° C. causes an index-matched boundary between the interior ply and the deformable spacer to deform

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS11640016B2Liquid lenses with multi-layer windows

Publication Date: 2023.05.02 CORNING INC

AI summary

A liquid lens can include a cavity disposed between a first window and a second window, first and second liquids disposed in the cavity, and a variable interface disposed between the first and second liquids, thereby forming a variable lens. At least one of the first window or the second window can have a multi-layer structure with interior and exterior plies and a deformable spacer disposed between the interior and exterior plies. A refractive index of the interior ply can be substantially the same as a refractive index of the deformable spacer, whereby an index-matched boundary is formed between the interior ply and the deformable spacer. A structural axis of the liquid lens can pass through each of the index-matched boundary and the variable interface.