MEMS Deformable Lens Focusing via Electrostatic Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current micro camera modules in handheld devices face challenges in achieving automatic focusing with small size, low power consumption, and low manufacturing cost due to the use of large and power-hungry voice motor technologies.
Innovation Solution
A Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) based focusing device is developed, utilizing a deformable lens surrounded by conductive deformable crossbeams and structs that rotate electrostatically to adjust focal length, with the crossbeams suspended in air and fixedly connected to stationary structs, allowing for precise curvature changes and focusing without significant size or power consumption increases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If voice motor technology is used to adjust focal length, then focusing function is achieved, but device size becomes large and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional voice motor mechanical system with an electrostatic actuation system. Conductive deformable crossbeams and structs utilize electrostatic attraction and repulsion forces to adjust the deformable lens curvature, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical voice motor components while achieving the same focusing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the lens system by using deformable lens technology. Instead of moving the entire lens assembly mechanically, the system changes the curvature radius of the lens surface through electrostatic actuation of the crossbeams, achieving focal length adjustment with minimal device size increase.
2Ease of operation
If voice motor technology is used to adjust focal length, then focusing function is achieved, but power consumption becomes high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the power-hungry voice motor with an electrostatic actuation system. The conductive deformable crossbeams and structs require minimal electrical energy to generate electrostatic forces, significantly reducing power consumption compared to electromagnetic voice motor technology while maintaining the focusing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic deformable lens system where the lens curvature can be rapidly adjusted by changing electrostatic field conditions. This dynamic control mechanism allows for fast focusing response with low power consumption, as the electrostatic system can quickly switch between different lens states without continuous energy input.
3Ease of operation
If traditional focusing devices are used, then focusing function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the focusing system into modular components: deformable lens, conductive deformable crossbeams, and conductive structs. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing processes where each component can be fabricated separately using standard semiconductor and optical manufacturing techniques, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures combining conductive materials with deformable structural elements in the crossbeams and structs. This use of composite materials enables integration of multiple functions (structural support, electrical conduction, mechanical deformation) into single components, reducing the number of parts and assembly steps required, thereby lowering manufacturing costs.
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 MEMS focusing device enables efficient automatic focusing with reduced power consumption and manufacturing costs, maintaining stability and accuracy while minimizing device size, thus addressing the limitations of traditional focusing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
Electrostatic force between the conductive deformable crossbeam and the conductive struct in each group enables the conductive deformable crossbeam to move relatively to the conductive struct
Data Source
AI summary
A micro-electro-mechanical system based focusing device and manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. The system includes: a deformable lens, multiple groups of conductive deformable crossbeams and conductive structs; and one or more fixed parts. In each group, each conductive deformable crossbeam corresponds to a conductive struct. The conductive deformable crossbeams and the conductive structs are arranged around the deformable lens and spaced from each other. The conductive deformable crossbeams are suspended in the air, their inner edges are connected with an external edge of the deformable lens and their external edges are connected with the fixed parts. The conductive structs are fixedly connected with the fixed parts and remain stationary. Electrostatic force between the conductive deformable crossbeam and the conductive struct causes the deformable lens to be stretched and rotate, thus, surface curvature and focal length are changed. The device has a small size, low power consumption and low manufacturing cost.