Multi-aperture Imaging Beam Deflector with Angled Reflecting Facets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-aperture imaging devices face challenges in producing beam-deflecting devices with sufficient optical accuracy and cost-effectiveness, particularly due to material losses during the molding process of reflecting facets, which affect image quality and installation height.
Innovation Solution
A multi-aperture imaging device with a common carrier substrate for optical channels, where the deflection angle is achieved through a setting angle and individual inclination of reflecting facets, allowing for cost-effective production without material losses, and reducing the complexity of facet formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If reflecting facets are formed by molding polymer or glass, then the beam-deflecting device can be produced, but material losses occur and form deviations are not acceptable
Solution Approach 1:
The beam-deflecting device is segmented into a carrier substrate and separately formed reflecting facets. The facets are created as distinct elements that are subsequently mounted onto the carrier substrate, allowing each facet to be manufactured with high precision using appropriate techniques while the carrier substrate provides structural support. This segmentation avoids the material loss and form deviation issues associated with molding the entire device as a single piece.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the advantages of different manufacturing approaches by combining a precisely formed carrier substrate with separately manufactured high-accuracy reflecting facets. The carrier substrate and facets are integrated through mounting processes that preserve the optical accuracy of the facets while providing the structural benefits of a substrate-based design.
2Device complexity
If a single-line array of optical channels is used, then the device structure is simplified, but the installation height increases beyond acceptable limits
Solution Approach 1:
The beam-deflecting device introduces a new dimensional aspect by incorporating angled reflecting facets that deflect optical paths in three-dimensional space. This allows the optical channels to be arranged in a compact configuration where light paths are redirected at angles, effectively reducing the installation height by utilizing spatial dimensionality rather than extending the device lengthwise.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical paths are made dynamically configurable through the adjustable mounting angles of the reflecting facets on the carrier substrate. By varying the inclination angles of the facets, the device can adapt the optical channel orientations to achieve compact installation while maintaining proper optical functionality, effectively managing the installation height parameter.
3Manufacturing precision
If reflecting facets are formed with sufficient optical accuracy, then image quality is maintained, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the manufacturing process into separate stages for the carrier substrate and reflecting facets, the invention allows each component to be manufactured using the most cost-effective technique appropriate for its requirements. The facets can be produced with high optical accuracy using precision techniques only where needed, while the carrier substrate is manufactured using more economical mass-production methods, thereby reducing overall production costs while maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple identical reflecting facets can be manufactured as copies using replication processes such as injection molding or stamping. Once a master template with the precise facet geometry is created, numerous identical facets can be produced at low marginal cost, maintaining optical accuracy while significantly reducing production costs for multi-aperture devices that require multiple facets.
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 the production of beam-deflecting devices with improved optical accuracy and reduced installation height, maintaining image quality while minimizing production costs and material losses.
Implementation Method 1
a beam-deflecting device for deflecting optical paths of the plurality of optical channels, wherein the beam-deflecting device comprises a carrier substrate common for the plurality of optical channels, wherein a deflection angle of deflecting the optical paths of each optical channel is based on a setting angle of the carrier substrate of the beam deflection apparatus with respect to the image sensor and on an inclination with respect to the carrier substrate, which varies among the optical channels, of a reflecting facet
Data Source
AI summary
The fact that a beam-deflecting device can be produced cost-effectively and without any losses of optical quality of the multi-aperture imaging device is used when a carrier substrate is provided for the same, wherein the carrier substrate is common to the plurality of optical channels and is installed with a setting angle, i.e. oblique with respect to the image sensor in the multi-aperture imaging device such that a deflection angle of deflecting the optical path of each optical channel is based, on the one hand, on the setting angle and, on the other hand, on an individual inclination angle with respect to the carrier substrate of a reflecting facet of a surface of the beam-deflecting device facing the image sensor, the reflecting facet being allocated to the optical channel.