Seven-Lens Optical Assembly for Compact Image Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Compact electronic devices, such as smartphones, face challenges in securing optical performance, brightness, image stabilization, and aberration control due to limited lens assembly size and number, which is inadequate for large image sensors.

Innovation Solution

A lens assembly with at least seven lenses arranged along an optical axis, including specific refractive powers and materials, meets Conditional equation 1 and Conditional equation 2, ensuring good optical performance and image stabilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the number or size of lenses is increased to enhance optical performance for large image sensors, then image quality and aberration control are improved, but device size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical performanceVSAvoidnumber of lenses
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the optical system into seven distinct lens elements with specific refractive power distributions. Each lens element is optimized for particular aberration correction functions, allowing complex optical performance to be achieved through modular segmentation rather than a single complex lens

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by assigning specific refractive powers and material properties to different lens elements based on their positions in the optical path. The first lens has positive refractive power for convergence, while subsequent lenses have alternating powers to correct specific aberrations locally throughout the optical system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Volume of moving object

If the lens assembly is downsized for compact electronic devices, then device compactness is improved, but optical performance and image stabilization capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidimage stabilization performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables dynamic image stabilization by allowing the lens assembly to move relative to the image sensor in response to detected camera shake. The optical design maintains sufficient back focal length to accommodate this dynamic movement while keeping the overall device compact

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent resolves the size-performance contradiction by optimizing the optical path in multiple dimensions. The specific arrangement of seven lenses with controlled refractive powers creates an optical path that maintains adequate back focal length and aberration correction in a compact configuration, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space efficiently

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Manufacturing precision

If the back focal length is increased to maintain sufficient distance from the image sensor, then optical performance is improved, but device length increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical performanceVSAvoidback focal length
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves compact back focal length by changing key optical parameters: using specific refractive power distributions across seven lenses, selecting materials with appropriate Abbe numbers, and optimizing the spacing between lens elements. These parameter changes enable adequate optical performance with reduced back focal length

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 assembly provides excellent optical performance and image stabilization in a downsized form, enhancing brightness and maintaining a sufficient distance from the image sensor, suitable for compact devices.

Implementation Method 1

A first lens first disposed from the object side among the at least seven lenses includes a convex object-side surface having a positive refractive power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

A second lens second disposed from the object side among the at least seven lenses includes a convex object-side surface having a negative refractive power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 3

A third lens third disposed from the object side among the at least seven lenses includes a convex object-side surface having a positive refractive power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 4

A fourth lens fourth disposed from the object side among the at least seven lenses includes a concave object-side surface having a negative refractive power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP4239387B1Lens assembly and electronic device comprising same
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4239387B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4239387B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4239387B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a lens assembly and/or an electronic device including the same may comprise at least seven lenses sequentially arranged along an optical axis direction from an object side to an image sensor side. A first lens first disposed from the object side among the at least seven lenses may include a convex object-side surface having a positive refractive power. A second lens second disposed from the object side among the at least seven lenses may include a convex object-side surface having a negative refractive power. A third lens third disposed from the object side among the at least seven lenses may include a convex object-side surface having a positive refractive power. A fourth lens fourth disposed from the object side among the at least seven lenses may include a concave object-side surface having a negative refractive power. Other various embodiments are possible as well.