Movable Lens Optical Imaging System for Retracting Camera Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing size of camera modules in mobile terminal devices to improve resolution leads to protrusion from the device surface, causing aesthetic issues and increased vulnerability to damage.
Innovation Solution
An optical imaging system with a plurality of lenses separated by air gaps along the optical axis, where the first lens is closest to the object side and satisfies specific conditional expressions for lens configuration and air gaps, allowing for adjustable length to mitigate protrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the camera module size is increased to improve resolution, then the imaging performance is improved, but the camera module protrudes from the device surface and becomes more vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The optical imaging system employs a movable first lens group that can be positioned at different locations along the optical axis. When the first lens group is moved to a first location, the system achieves a first length suitable for imaging operations. When moved to a second location, the system achieves a second length that is shorter than the first length, allowing the camera module to retract and avoid protrusion while maintaining the ability to switch between different operational states dynamically
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the optical system length by moving the first lens group between different positions. The ratio TLs/TL of the length in the contracted state to the length in the extended state is controlled to be greater than 0.65 and less than 0.79, optimizing the balance between protrusion reduction and imaging performance. This parameter change allows the system to adapt its physical dimensions according to operational requirements
2Measurement precision
If the camera module size is increased to improve resolution, then the imaging performance is improved, but the camera module is more exposed to external impacts and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The optical imaging system employs a movable first lens group that can be positioned at different locations along the optical axis. When the first lens group is moved to a first location, the system achieves a first length suitable for imaging operations. When moved to a second location, the system achieves a second length that is shorter than the first length, allowing the camera module to retract and avoid protrusion while maintaining the ability to switch between different operational states dynamically
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the optical system with a movable lens group mechanism that allows the camera module to be retracted into a protected position when not in use or when potential impact is anticipated. This beforehand cushioning approach reduces exposure to external impacts by allowing the camera module to be positioned in a more protected state, thereby improving reliability and durability
3Measurement precision
If the camera module protrudes from the device surface, then the imaging performance is maintained, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical imaging system employs a movable first lens group that can be positioned at different locations along the optical axis. When the first lens group is moved to a first location, the system achieves a first length suitable for imaging operations. When moved to a second location, the system achieves a second length that is shorter than the first length, allowing the camera module to retract and avoid protrusion while maintaining the ability to switch between different operational states dynamically
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces movement along the optical axis dimension, allowing the camera module to transition between extended and retracted states. This dimensional change enables the camera module to maintain imaging performance when needed while achieving a flush or recessed appearance when not in use, thereby resolving the aesthetic contradiction
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 system effectively reduces the length of the camera module when not in use, preventing protrusion and enhancing durability by minimizing exposure to external impacts.
Implementation Method 1
The first lens may have a positive refractive power. The first lens may have a concave image-side surface.
Implementation Method 2
the plurality of lenses being separated from each other by respective air gaps along the optical axis between the lenses
Data Source
AI summary
An optical imaging system includes a plurality of lenses disposed along an optical axis from an object side of the optical imaging system toward an imaging plane of the optical imaging system. The lenses are separated from each other by respective air gaps along the optical axis between the lenses. The lenses include a first lens closest to the object side of the optical imaging system. The conditional expressions 1.5 mm<Gmax, TL<12.0 mm, and 0.15<R1/f are satisfied, where Gmax is a maximum air gap along the optical axis among all of the air gaps, TL is a length of the optical imaging system along the optical axis from an object-side surface of the first lens to the imaging plane, R1 is a radius of curvature of the object-side surface of the first lens, and f is a focal length of the optical imaging system.