Optical Lens Shading Structure for Blocking Non-Imaging Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lens assemblies with lens barrels for blocking non-imaging light are inadequate for miniaturized portable electronic devices with high pixel counts, failing to meet the requirements of reduced volume and high imaging quality.
Innovation Solution
An optical lens design incorporating lenses with optical valid and invalid areas, where the invalid areas are surrounded by opaque materials or shading layers, effectively blocking non-imaging light while allowing image light to pass through.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional lens barrel structure is used to block non-imaging light, then light-shielding function is provided, but device volume cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light-shielding function with the lens structure by forming optical invalid areas directly on the lens surfaces. The lens structure itself is designed with specific geometric features (convex portions, concave portions, or protruding structures) that create light-shielding effects without requiring separate lens barrel components. This integration eliminates the need for additional light-shielding parts and reduces overall assembly volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific optical invalid areas at particular locations on the lens surfaces. Rather than using a complete lens barrel, the light-shielding function is localized to specific regions where non-imaging light would interfere with the image sensor. These localized invalid areas are formed through specific surface geometries that block light only where needed, maintaining compact dimensions.
2Device complexity
If lens barrel is used to fix lens position and block light, then structural support and light-shielding are provided, but number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the lens structure itself. The lens is designed with integrated features that simultaneously provide optical focusing, structural support, and light-shielding functions. The optical invalid areas are formed as part of the lens molding process, eliminating the need for separate lens barrel components and reducing part count.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it focuses light through its optical surfaces, provides structural support for the image sensor, and creates light-shielding effects through its geometric features. The optical invalid areas serve dual purposes by blocking non-imaging light while being integrated into the lens' structural design, making the lens itself a multi-functional component.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional optical system with lens barrel is used, then light-shielding effect is achieved, but imaging quality does not meet high pixel requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates localized optical invalid areas with precise geometric control to block non-imaging light that would interfere with high-resolution imaging. These localized structures are designed to protect specific regions of the image sensor from stray light while maintaining compact dimensions suitable for miniaturized devices with high pixel counts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the lens geometry parameters by incorporating specific convex portions, concave portions, or protruding structures that create optical invalid areas. These parameter changes in the lens surface geometry enable effective light-shielding without requiring additional volume, thereby maintaining high imaging quality while reducing assembly size.
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 enhances imaging quality, reduces the number of light-shielding parts, lowers costs, and shortens assembly time, achieving miniaturization and improved optical performance.
Implementation Method 1
The first shading layer is made of an opaque material and attached to a side peripheral surface of the first peripheral portion and/or a side peripheral surface of the second peripheral portion, allowing the first shading layer to correspondingly surround the first optical invalid area and/or the second optical invalid area
Data Source
AI summary
An optical lens for being passed through by an image light includes a first lens, a second lens, and a first shading layer. The first lens has a first optical valid area and a first optical invalid area surrounding the first optical valid area. The second lens has a second optical valid area and a second optical invalid area. The second optical valid area faces the first optical valid area. The second optical invalid area surrounds the second optical valid area. The first shading layer is disposed on a side peripheral surface of the first optical invalid area and a side peripheral surface of the second optical invalid area, providing the function of blocking the non-imaging light, reducing the number of light-shielding parts, reducing the cost of parts, and shortening the assembling time.