Optical Imaging Lens Zoom Mechanism Compact Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical imaging lenses face challenges in achieving a small f-number, compact size, and maintaining good optical quality during zooming, especially due to the discontinuous image resolution and field of view when using multiple fixed-focus lenses.
Innovation Solution
The optical imaging lens design consists of a sequence of three lens element groups along the optical axis, with specific surface curvature arrangements and refracting power distributions, allowing for zooming by moving at least one lens element group along the optical axis. This design ensures a smaller f-number and volume while maintaining optical quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed-focus lenses are used to achieve different imaging needs, then the imaging requirements can be met, but the system occupies more space and image resolution becomes discontinuous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a zoom lens mechanism that dynamically adjusts the focal length by moving lens groups relative to each other along the optical axis. This dynamic configuration allows a single lens system to provide continuous variable focus, replacing multiple fixed-focus lenses and achieving adaptability without increasing system volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical imaging lens is designed as a multi-functional system that can simultaneously achieve wide-angle and telephoto imaging capabilities through internal lens group movements. The lens groups can be positioned at different locations to provide different focal lengths, making one lens system perform the functions of multiple lenses.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed-focus lenses are used, then different imaging needs can be met, but image resolution becomes discontinuous
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous adjustment capability of the zoom lens allows smooth transition between different focal lengths, ensuring continuous image resolution. The lens groups can be positioned at any location within the zoom range, providing uninterrupted focus adjustment unlike discrete fixed-focus lenses.
3Illumination intensity
If a small f-number is designed to increase luminous influx, then more light can be captured, but optical quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs aspheric surfaces on specific lens elements to locally correct optical aberrations. The aspheric profiles are designed to compensate for spherical aberration and other distortions that become more pronounced at small f-numbers, maintaining optical quality while allowing larger aperture for increased luminous influx.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens system uses multiple lens materials with different refractive indices and Abbe numbers to correct chromatic aberration. By combining materials with complementary optical properties, the system maintains high optical quality across the visible spectrum while operating at small f-numbers for maximum light capture.
4Volume of stationary object
If a compact size is achieved, then the lens fits portable devices, but zoom capability becomes difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The zoom lens mechanism uses a compact nested arrangement where lens groups are positioned within a confined space. The lens groups move along the optical axis in a telescopic manner, allowing zoom functionality to be achieved within a minimal form factor suitable for portable electronic devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves zoom capability primarily through axial movement of lens groups along the optical axis, utilizing the longitudinal dimension for focus adjustment. This one-dimensional movement strategy enables compact zoom implementation without requiring lateral space expansion.
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 lens design achieves a smaller f-number and volume while maintaining good optical quality during zooming, addressing the challenges of discontinuous image resolution and field of view associated with multiple fixed-focus lenses.
Implementation Method 1
lens elements in the first lens element group to the third lens element group each include an object-side surface facing the object side and allowing an imaging ray to pass through and an image-side surface facing the image side and allowing the imaging ray to pass through
Data Source
AI summary
An optical imaging lens includes first to third lens element groups in sequence along an optical axis from an object side to an image side. The first lens element group includes at least two lens elements. The second lens element group includes at least two lens elements. The third lens element group includes at least two lens elements. When the optical imaging lens is zoomed, at least one lens element group is moved toward a direction of the object side or the image side along the optical axis.