Nanostructured Imaging Lens Assembly for Low-Reflection Transmittance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Increasing the number of lens elements in imaging lens assemblies for portable electronic devices leads to decreased transmittance and stray light reflection, complicating the research and development process and increasing costs.

Innovation Solution

An imaging lens assembly with a plurality of lens elements, each featuring a nanostructure layer made of alumina crystal and a silica film connection, arranged irregularly with specific refractive index differences and structure dimensions, to enhance adhesion and reduce light reflection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the number of lens elements is increased to improve image quality, then image quality is improved, but transmittance decreases and stray light reflection increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidtransmittance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by introducing nanostructure layers with specific structural parameters (size 50-200 nm, refractive index gradient) on lens surfaces. This changes the optical parameters of the lens elements, enabling reduced reflection and improved transmittance without increasing the number of lens elements, thus resolving the contradiction between image quality and transmittance loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining nanostructure layers (alumina, silica, titania) with traditional lens materials. This composite structure provides both the optical focusing function of the lens and the anti-reflection properties of the nanostructures, maintaining high transmittance while achieving good image quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If the number of lens elements is increased to improve image quality, then image quality is improved, but stray light reflection increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidstray light reflection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the surface parameters of lens elements by adding nanostructure layers with controlled size (50-200 nm) and refractive index gradients. This parameter modification reduces stray light reflection through enhanced light scattering and reduced Fresnel reflection, while maintaining the image quality function of the lens elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of light reflection into a beneficial effect by using the nanostructure layers to scatter and redirect reflected light away from the optical path. The reflection that would normally create stray light is redirected in a way that improves overall image quality by reducing glare and enhancing contrast.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional lens elements are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but adhesion of nanostructure layers is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidadhesion
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary adhesion layer between the traditional lens element and the nanostructure layer. This intermediate layer serves as a bonding interface that chemically or physically adheres to both the lens substrate and the nanostructures, solving the adhesion problem while maintaining compatibility with existing manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure with multiple layers (lens substrate, adhesion layer, nanostructure layer) where each material is selected for its specific properties. The adhesion layer is chosen to provide strong bonding to both the substrate and nanostructures, while the traditional lens materials maintain manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution maintains high image quality while reducing costs and shortening development time by stabilizing nanostructure layers and minimizing light reflection, achieving average transmittance above 90% in specified wavelength ranges.

Implementation Method 1

The nanostructure layer is irregularly arranged... a structure dimension of the nanostructure layer is between 98 nm and 420 nm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

The nanostructure layer includes an alumina crystal... structure dimension of the nanostructure layer is between 98 nm and 420 nm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInterference: Interference

Implementation Method 3

the structure connection film includes at least one silica film, the silica film is directly contacted with a bottom of the nanostructure layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 4

a refractive index of the first lens element is different from a refractive index of the second lens element... average transmittance above 90%

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP4123345B1Imaging lens assembly and electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 LARGAN PRECISION
  • EP4123345B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4123345B1 patent drawingFigure 1B~1C
  • EP4123345B1 patent drawingFigure 1D~1E

AI summary

An imaging lens assembly (100) includes an imaging lens element assembly, and an optical axis (X) passes through the imaging lens assembly (100). The imaging lens element assembly (100) includes a plurality of lens elements (111-118), and the lens elements (111-118) includes a first lens element (111) and a second lens element, wherein a refractive index of the first lens element (111) is different from a refractive index of the second lens element. Each of the first lens element (111) and the second lens element includes at least one nanostructure layer (130) and at least one structure connection film (140). The nanostructure layer (130) is irregularly arranged, the nanostructure layer (130) includes an alumina crystal. The structure connection film (140) is disposed between a surface of the first lens element (111) and the nanostructure layer (130) and between a surface of the second lens element and the nanostructure layer (130).