Moiré Lens Imaging Assembly for Axial-Free Focus Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices face challenges in miniaturization due to the need for lens movement along the optical axis for focus adjustment, which increases volume and is not conducive to compact design.
Innovation Solution
The imaging device employs a rotatable transparent lens and diffractive lens assemblies to adjust focal length without moving along the optical axis, utilizing a moiré lens system with synchronized adjustments through rim and wheel mechanisms for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a motor is used to drive the lens to move along the optical axis for focus adjustment, then the focusing function is achieved, but the volume occupied by the imaging device in the optical axis direction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the focus adjustment mechanism from axial movement (one-dimensional along optical axis) to rotational movement (one-dimensional around optical axis). The transparent lens rotates around the optical axis to adjust focal length, eliminating the need for axial motor-driven movement and reducing axial volume occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the motor-driven mechanical translation system with a rotational optical system. Instead of using a motor to physically move the lens assembly along the optical axis, the system uses rotational movement of a transparent lens combined with diffractive optics to achieve focus adjustment optically.
2Reliability
If the lens moves along the optical axis to adjust focus, then the imaging quality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the mechanical structure by eliminating the complex motor-driven translation mechanism. Instead, it uses a rotational mechanism with a transparent lens and diffractive optics that requires simpler mechanical components while achieving the same imaging quality improvement through optical rather than mechanical means.
3Length of moving object
If a rotatable transparent lens and diffractive lens assemblies are used to adjust focal length, then the axial volume is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions into an integrated system. The transparent lens and diffractive lens assemblies work together as a unified optical module, where the rotation of the transparent lens simultaneously controls the focal length adjustment through the diffractive optics, reducing axial volume while managing complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable transparent lens assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both a focusing element and a control mechanism for the diffractive lens assemblies. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing axial volume while the integrated design helps manage system complexity.
4Measurement precision
If synchronized adjustments of moiré lens assemblies are implemented, then the imaging precision is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of multiple diffractive lens assemblies into a single rotational operation. By rotating the transparent lens, the system simultaneously and synchronously adjusts all diffractive lens assemblies, achieving high imaging precision while maintaining operational simplicity through unified control.
Solution Approach 2:
The moiré effect provides visual feedback that indicates the rotation angle and focal length adjustment status. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to easily control the synchronized adjustments by observing the moiré pattern changes, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining imaging precision.
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 reduces the device's axial volume, enabling miniaturization while maintaining imaging efficiency and precision.
Implementation Method 1
a first diffractive lens assembly and a second diffractive lens assembly which are arranged in sequence along the optical axis L1 of the light receiving element 12
Implementation Method 2
The focal length of the imaging device is precisely adjusted by adjusting a rotation angle between the first diffractive lens assembly and the second diffractive lens assembly
Implementation Method 3
utilizing a moiré lens system with synchronized adjustments through rim and wheel mechanisms for precise control
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device includes an imaging mechanism, a lens assembly having an optical axis and including a transparent lens, and a first moiré lens assembly including a first diffractive lens and a second diffractive lens. The imaging mechanism includes a light emitting element, a light receiving element, and a calculation element. A through hole is defined by the transparent lens. Along the optical axis, a projection of the light receiving element is located within a projection range of the through hole, a projection of the light emitting element is located within a projection range of the transparent lens. The first diffractive lens is fixed in the through hole. The second diffractive lens is fixed between the first diffractive lens and the light receiving element. The transparent lens is configured to drive the first diffractive lens to rotate to adjust a focal length of the first moiré lens assembly.