Optical Folding Element Assembly for Compact Telephoto Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional telephoto optical systems face challenges in achieving both high image quality and compactness due to their long total length and large size, making them unsuitable for modern electronic devices that require compactness and multi-functionality.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing unit with a dual-shot injection-molded optical folding element that includes a transparent and opaque part, providing an optical path-folding function, which is adjacent to at least one imaging element, featuring a first part and a second part fixed at a periphery of the first part, with a reflective surface and a supporting portion that supports the optical folding element at a predetermined position, and an arc-shaped step structure to maintain precision and reduce optical aberrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional telephoto optical systems are used to achieve high image quality, then image quality is improved, but the total system size becomes too large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies optical folding elements (prisms or mirrors) to fold the optical path, transforming a linear optical path into a folded configuration. This allows the optical system to achieve a long effective focal length while maintaining a compact physical footprint, resolving the contradiction between image quality (requiring long focal length) and system size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the optical folding element directly into the lens barrel structure, nesting the folding mechanism within the existing optical system rather than adding separate external components. This reduces overall system size while maintaining the folded optical path configuration.
2Volume of moving object
If optical folding elements are added to achieve compactness, then system size is reduced, but device complexity increases due to additional installation structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical folding element with the lens barrel by directly mounting the prism or mirror onto the lens barrel surface. This integration eliminates the need for separate installation structures and accommodation mechanisms, reducing device complexity while achieving compactness through optical path folding.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens barrel serves multiple functions: it houses the lens elements and simultaneously provides the mounting surface for the optical folding element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized structures, simplifying the overall device design.
3Volume of moving object
If conventional optical systems are modified to achieve folded optical axis, then compactness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the optical folding element mounting with the existing lens barrel manufacturing process. By utilizing the lens barrel's existing structure as the mounting base, the patent avoids complex assembly processes and additional manufacturing steps, making the folded optical system as manufacturable as conventional systems.
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 enables a compact optical system with high image quality by reducing the system size and minimizing optical aberrations, while maintaining precise alignment and assembly efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The reflective surface is located between the incident surface and the emitting surface and configured to reflect the imaging light
Data Source
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AI summary
An image capturing unit (10) includes an imaging element (13) and a dual-shot injection-molded optical folding element (14) that are adjacent to each other. The imaging element (13) is configured for an imaging light to pass through. The dual-shot injection-molded optical folding element (14) includes a first part (14a) and a second part (14b). The first part (14a) is made of transparent material. The first part (14a) has a reflective surface (143) configured to reflect the imaging light. The second part (14b) is made of opaque material, and the second part (14b) is fixed at periphery of the first part (14a). The second part (14b) includes a supporting portion (147) configured to support the dual-shot injection-molded optical folding element (14). The supporting portion (147) maintains the dual-shot injection-molded optical folding element (14) at a predetermined position corresponding to the imaging element (13) through mechanism assembly.