Micro-Optical Arrangement with Elastic Deformation for Variable Focal Width
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing micro-optical arrangements face challenges in varying focal widths and other optical parameters efficiently, particularly in miniaturized forms, due to high manufacturing costs, reduced miniaturization, and increased time constants associated with conventional solutions like moving mirrors and deformable optical elements.
Innovation Solution
An elastically deformable optical element is clamped on its edges and moved translatorily between reversal points to induce elastic deformation via mass inertia, allowing for variable focal widths without the need for complex constructions or high-cost actuators, utilizing the element's intrinsic mass to change curvature and thus focal length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional moving mirrors are used to change optical path length, then focal width variation is achieved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration by oscillating the optical element at its resonant frequency to induce elastic deformation. This vibration-based approach replaces complex mechanical mirror positioning systems with a simple oscillating structure that achieves focal width variation through dynamic deformation, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters by utilizing the natural resonant frequency of the optical element and controlling the amplitude of oscillation. By adjusting these parameters, the focal width can be varied without changing the physical structure or adding complex actuators, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If deformable optical elements with multiple actuators are used, then focal width variation is achieved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element serves itself by utilizing its own structural properties and resonant characteristics to achieve deformation. Instead of requiring external actuators to force deformation, the element naturally oscillates at its resonant frequency when excited, eliminating the need for complex actuator arrays and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining focal width variation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves focal width variation by changing the oscillation amplitude and frequency parameters rather than adding multiple actuators. This parameter-based control approach simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces costs while maintaining the desired adaptability for focal width adjustment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mirror movement is used, then optical path length change is achieved, but time constant increases
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing mechanical vibration at the resonant frequency of the optical element, the system achieves rapid oscillation between different focal widths. This vibration-based mechanism allows for very fast switching times compared to conventional mirror movement, significantly reducing the time constant while maintaining full optical path length adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic oscillation at the resonant frequency to achieve time-efficient focal width variation. The periodic nature of the vibration allows the system to rapidly cycle through different focal positions, minimizing the effective time constant for optical path length changes while preserving adaptability.
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 approach enables rapid and cost-effective variation of focal widths with minimal construction volume, enhancing the resolution capability and adaptability of micro-optical systems, particularly suitable for mobile applications.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic deformation of an optical element as a result of its mass inertia with an acceleration with an accompanying translatory movement
Implementation Method 2
an elastically deformable optical element is held or clamped in a fixed manner on at least one outer edge point
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a micro-optical arrangement with which in particular optical properties of an optical element or its influencing of electromagnetic radiation may be changed. Thereby the optical elements with a reflecting surface are preferred. It is the object of the invention to provide for a changeability of optical parameters, in particular of the focal width with small time constants, in an inexpensive manner and with a small required constructional volume. The micro-optical arrangement according to the invention comprises a plate-like optical element onto which electromagnetic radiation is directed on an optically effective surface. The optical element thereby is fixed or clamped at least at one outer edge point. The optical element is elastically deformed due to mass inertia as a result of a translatory movement at least approximately parallel to the optical axis between two reversal points (−z0, z0).