Overlapping Lens Assembly for Compact Mobile Camera Focusing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to design a camera lens system for smart mobile devices that balances high focusing accuracy and image clarity with the constraint of limited device size, as increasing the number and size of lenses enhances functionality but increases device thickness and affects component layout.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a lens assembly with overlapping first and second lenses that can move parallel and perpendicular to the optical axis, allowing for adjustable focusing without increasing the camera lens size, achieved through a lens holder that adjusts the relative arrangement of the lenses and a moving apparatus for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number and size of lenses in the camera are increased to improve focusing accuracy and image clarity, then the camera functionality is enhanced, but the camera size and device thickness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies overlapping arrangement of lenses in the optical axis direction, transitioning from traditional lateral placement to vertical stacking. Multiple lenses are positioned at different depths along the optical axis, enabling compact configuration that reduces the lateral footprint of the camera module while maintaining multiple lens functions for improved focusing accuracy and image clarity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested lens structure where multiple lenses are arranged concentrically or in overlapping configurations. The first lens and second lens are positioned such that their optical paths overlap, with one lens effectively nested within the optical footprint of another, maximizing space utilization and reducing overall camera module size
2Measurement precision
If the number and size of lenses in the camera are increased to improve image clarity, then the camera functionality is enhanced, but the device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the optical axis dimension for lens arrangement, stacking lenses vertically rather than spreading them laterally. This dimensional reorganization allows multiple lenses contributing to image clarity to be confined within a compact thickness envelope, reducing device thickness while preserving optical performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple lens functions into a compact overlapping configuration where the first and second lenses share part of the same spatial volume. By merging their optical paths and physical positions, the system achieves enhanced image clarity through multiple lenses without proportionally increasing device thickness
3Length of stationary object
If the size of the camera lens is reduced to meet device size constraints, then the device becomes more compact, but the focusing accuracy and image clarity are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for reduced individual lens size by arranging multiple smaller lenses in an overlapping configuration along the optical axis. This vertical stacking approach maintains the total optical aperture area while reducing lateral camera size, and the multiple lenses work together to preserve focusing accuracy despite individual lens size reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the optical system into multiple segmented lenses (first lens and second lens) that are arranged in an overlapping configuration. Each lens segment contributes to the overall focusing function, and their combined effect compensates for the reduced size of individual lenses, maintaining focusing accuracy while enabling compact camera design
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 design reduces the camera lens size and device thickness while maintaining high focusing accuracy and image clarity, enabling multi-angle and all-directional focusing, thus addressing the size constraints of smart mobile devices.
Implementation Method 1
a lens assembly having a first lens and a second lens... the lens holder operatively adjusts a relative arrangement between the first and second lens to focus the image on the imaging sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device, an imaging apparatus, and an electronic device for imaging are disclosed. The imaging device includes an imaging sensor that operatively captures an image along an optical axis. The imaging device also includes a lens assembly, and the lens assembly includes a first lens and a second lens. The first lens and the second lens at least partially overlap each other in a first direction parallel to the optical axis. The lens holder operatively adjusts a relative arrangement between the first and second lens to focus the image on the imaging sensor.