Optical Actuator Aperture Stop Placement for Compact Lens Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional small form factor cameras face challenges in achieving high-resolution images with lower size and cost due to the need for mechanical solutions like VCM technology, which increases the camera's X-Y dimensions and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a compact optical actuator with SSAF and SSOIS technology, which eliminates the need to physically move the lens barrel, allowing for a smaller camera size and reduced manufacturing costs by placing the aperture stop within the optical actuator rather than the lens stack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mechanical autofocus mechanisms (VCM technology) are used to adjust focal distance, then the camera can focus on objects at different distances, but the camera's X-Y dimensions and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical autofocus mechanisms (voice coil motors that physically move the lens barrel) with a solid-state optical actuator that uses optical fields to change the focal distance. The optical actuator includes a flexible optical element whose shape can be dynamically adjusted without mechanical movement of the lens stack, thereby eliminating the need for large X-Y dimensions associated with mechanical focus adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating principle from mechanical displacement to optical parameter modulation. By using an optical actuator that modifies the shape of a flexible optical element through optical fields rather than mechanical force, the system achieves focus adjustment without the physical space requirements of conventional mechanical systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mechanical autofocus mechanisms are used, then the camera can adjust focal distance, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical autofocus mechanisms (voice coil motors, lens barrels, and mounting structures) with a compact optical actuator system. This substitution eliminates the need for precision mechanical assemblies, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining focus adjustment functionality through optical field control of the flexible optical element
3Reliability
If the aperture stop is placed in the lens stack, then the optical system functions properly, but the camera's X-Y dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the aperture stop from the lateral plane (within the lens stack) to the optical path (in the Z dimension). By placing the aperture stop in the optical actuator along the optical axis rather than within the lens stack's lateral arrangement, the system achieves proper optical functionality without increasing the camera's X-Y footprint
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 capture of sharp, high-resolution images in a smaller package size while reducing the camera's X-Y dimensions and manufacturing expenses, making it suitable for mobile devices.
Implementation Method 1
The optical actuator may include, but is not limited to, a substrate at least partially composed of a clear material or substance (e.g., a clear glass or plastic substrate), a flexible optical element (e.g., a flexible lens), and an actuator component that is configured to change the shape of the flexible optical element to provide adaptive optical functionality for the camera
Data Source
AI summary
Compact lens systems that may be used in small form factor cameras. The lens system may include a master lens with two or more lens elements arranged along an optical axis and having refractive power, and an optical actuator located on the object side of the master lens that may provide autofocus (AF) and/or optical image stabilization (OIS) functionality for the camera. An aperture stop for the camera may be included in the optical actuator, for example between a substrate and a flexible optical element of the optical actuator. Including the aperture stop in the optical actuator rather than in the lens stack may allow the optical actuator to be smaller in the X-Y dimensions (perpendicular to the optical (Z) axis) than it would be in a similar camera with the aperture stop located in the lens stack.