Multiple Reflective Lens Design for Compact Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical lenses used in cameras and imaging devices are not compact enough, leading to increased size and reduced light energy collection and optical resolution when miniaturized, making them unsuitable for small consumer electronics.
Innovation Solution
A multiple reflective lens design with more than two reflections between pair of surfaces, achieved by forming multiple annular and concentric reflective zones, allowing for compactness while maintaining optical performance through techniques like diamond machining and adjustable focusing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional optical lenses are miniaturized to reduce size, then the device size is reduced, but light energy collection and optical resolution deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies catadioptric design principles that fold the optical path in multiple dimensions using reflective surfaces. By implementing multiple reflections (three or more) between reflective surfaces, the optical path length is extended in a folded configuration rather than a linear arrangement, achieving compact physical dimensions while maintaining adequate optical path length for resolution and light gathering.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens design nests multiple reflective zones and optical elements within a compact structure. The multiple reflective surfaces are arranged concentrically and in nested configurations, allowing light to undergo multiple reflections within a small physical envelope, thereby maintaining optical performance while minimizing overall lens size.
2Length of moving object
If conventional optical lenses are miniaturized to reduce size, then the device size is reduced, but light-gathering capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multi-dimensional folding of the optical path through multiple reflections to extend the effective aperture and light-gathering area without increasing the linear dimensions of the lens. The nested concentric reflective zones capture light from multiple angular directions and guide it through folded paths to the focal point, maintaining light-gathering capability in a compact form.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective surfaces are divided into multiple concentric zones that independently collect and redirect light. Each zone contributes to the overall light-gathering capability, and the segmented structure allows efficient packing of light-collecting surfaces within a compact volume, maximizing the effective aperture relative to the physical size.
3Reliability
If conventional lenses use multiple lens elements to achieve desired optical characteristics, then optical performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional refractive lens elements with a catadioptric system using reflective surfaces. Instead of stacking multiple transparent lens elements with complex curvatures and materials, the design uses reflective zones and mirrors to achieve the same optical functions, reducing the number of discrete components and simplifying the overall structure while maintaining optical performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective surfaces serve multiple functions simultaneously: they focus light, correct optical aberrations, and guide light through the compact folded path. The concentric zones perform both light collection and beam shaping functions, reducing the need for separate specialized elements and thereby reducing overall device complexity.
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 design results in a significantly more compact lens system that maintains high light-gathering capability and optical resolution, enabling effective use in miniature cameras and other small devices with improved focusing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Light proceeding within the lens between the first and second inward-facing surfaces is reflected at least twice on at least one of the first and second inward-facing surfaces as it travels between the first aperture and the second aperture
Data Source
AI summary
A variety of lenses, lens assemblies, imaging devices, applications for such lenses, assemblies and devices, and related methods of operation and manufacturing are disclosed. At least some embodiments of the invention relate to a lens that includes first and second inward-facing surfaces that are each at least partly reflective. The lens further includes a first aperture that is positioned around at least a portion of an outer periphery of one of the first and second inward-facing surfaces, and a second aperture existing proximate a central region of the lens. The light proceeding within the lens between the first and second inward-facing surfaces is reflected at least twice on at least one of the first and second inward-facing surfaces as it travels between the first aperture and the second aperture.