Multi-Segment Lens Barrel Thermal Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-resolution camera lens assemblies face challenges in achieving fast, automated, and high-yielding assembly processes due to thermal expansion issues, which cause defocus problems due to temperature changes, affecting the alignment between the lens and image sensor.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a multiple segment lens barrel with spacers having different coefficients of thermal expansion, allowing for differential thermal expansion between lens elements, actively or passively compensating for temperature-induced shifts by manipulating the position of specific lens elements relative to others, maintaining the optical distance between the lens and image sensor within a predefined tolerance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a rigid lens assembly is used to maintain alignment precision, then manufacturing precision is improved, but thermal expansion causes defocus and reduces reliability under temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The lens assembly is divided into multiple segments including a lens barrel, lens elements, and an image sensor assembly that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows each component to respond differently to thermal expansion while maintaining overall optical alignment through controlled relative movement between segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the lens assembly by introducing controlled flexibility that allows thermal expansion parameters to be accommodated. The flexible mounting structure enables the assembly to expand and contract with temperature changes while maintaining focus through the coordinated movement of lens elements and image sensor.
2Reliability
If thermal expansion compensation mechanisms are added to maintain focus stability, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lens assembly utilizes the natural thermal expansion properties of its materials to automatically compensate for temperature changes. The flexible mounting structure allows the assembly to self-adjust its configuration in response to thermal conditions without requiring external control systems, actuators, or complex compensation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention directly employs thermal expansion as a functional mechanism rather than attempting to prevent or counteract it. Different components with varying coefficients of thermal expansion are strategically positioned and mounted to work together, converting thermal effects into beneficial focus-maintaining movements that simplify the overall system design.
3Productivity
If automated assembly processes are implemented to improve productivity, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but achieving high precision alignment becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The lens elements and image sensor are pre-positioned and pre-aligned during the manufacturing process with built-in alignment features and tolerance accommodations. This preliminary precision work is done once during assembly, and the subsequent flexible mounting structure maintains this alignment automatically, allowing for faster automated assembly without sacrificing 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 solution effectively maintains image quality by compensating for thermal expansion-induced defocus, ensuring the focal plane remains aligned with the image plane within acceptable tolerances, even under temperature changes, thereby enhancing the precision and reliability of high-resolution camera systems.
Implementation Method 1
The defocus is a result of several factors, including thermal expansion of the lens elements, change in index of refraction of the lens elements, and thermal expansion of the barrel/mount and other components of the assembly. Thermal expansion is a function of the temperature change and the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the material.
Implementation Method 2
The integration of a multiple segment lens barrel with spacers having different coefficients of thermal expansion, allowing for differential thermal expansion between lens elements
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated image sensor and lens assembly including an image sensor, a lens barrel, and a lens element. The lens barrel configured to direct light to the image sensor. The lens barrel is a multiple segment lens barrel or a multiple subsection lens barrel. The multiple segment lens barrel or the multiple section lens barrel includes: a first segment or a first subsection, and a second segment or a second subsection. The lens element located within the lens barrel. The first segment or the first subsection is movable relative to the second segment or the second subsection.