Pancake Lenses With Embedded Accommodation Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating additional functional elements, such as variable accommodation and eye-tracking modules, into compact optical systems like pancake lenses is challenging due to space constraints and the need to avoid air-immersed elements while minimizing impact on eye-relief.
Innovation Solution
Embedding planar modules, such as guided refractive index liquid crystal lenses and eye-tracking modules with photonic integrated circuits, within the pancake lens, using laminated construction and 3D printing or injection molding to create compact, varifocal optical configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional functional elements (accommodation module, eye-tracking module) are integrated into the pancake lens, then functionality and adaptability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional elements (accommodation module, eye-tracking module, and pancake lens) into a single integrated optical assembly. The accommodation module and eye-tracking module are positioned within the same optical path and housing as the pancake lens, allowing multiple functions to be achieved without requiring separate devices. This merging approach directly addresses the technical contradiction by improving functionality while managing device complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: the pancake lens provides optical focusing, the accommodation module enables variable focal length adjustment, and the eye-tracking module captures eye movement data. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components, thereby improving adaptability while controlling overall system complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If air-immersed elements are avoided and eye-relief is minimized, then compactness is improved, but manufacturing precision and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the accommodation module and eye-tracking module are positioned within the internal volume of the pancake lens assembly. The planar modules are embedded within the lens structure itself, with components nested within each other to maximize space utilization. This nesting approach achieves compactness by minimizing the overall volume while requiring high manufacturing precision to ensure proper alignment and integration of nested components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional three-dimensional air-immersed optical elements to planar, two-dimensional modules that can be laminated or bonded directly within the lens structure. By flattening the optical elements and eliminating the need for air gaps, the system achieves greater compactness. This dimensional change from 3D to 2D requires advanced manufacturing techniques to maintain precision, directly addressing the contradiction between compactness and manufacturing precision.
3Volume of moving object
If planar modules are embedded within the pancake lens using laminated construction, then compactness is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into separate planar modules (accommodation module, eye-tracking module, and pancake lens) that can be manufactured independently before final assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized and produced using specialized processes, then combined through lamination or bonding. While this increases the number of manufacturing steps, it actually improves ease of manufacture by allowing parallel production and reducing the complexity of any single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structures, particularly in the lamination process to bond planar modules to the pancake lens. By employing composite materials and lamination techniques, the system achieves compact integration while simplifying assembly. The lamination process creates a permanent bond between layers, eliminating the need for complex mechanical fastening systems and improving overall ease of manufacture despite the additional manufacturing steps required.
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
Enables compact, varifocal optical systems for AR/VR applications with embedded modules that provide adjustable accommodation and eye-tracking capabilities without compromising eye-relief, enhancing user comfort and experience.
Implementation Method 1
guided refractive index liquid crystal lenses
Implementation Method 2
guided refractive index liquid crystal lenses
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for a pancake lens with integration accommodation may include a beamsplitter, a first lens, a reflective polarizer, and a second lens, where the second lens includes at least one planar module embedded within the second lens. Other apparatuses, systems, and methods are also disclosed.