Shape-Variable Lens for Optical Drive Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical disc drives face limitations in data input/output speed due to the need for increased disc revolving speed, which cannot be infinitely scaled, hindering the development of high-capacity input/output technologies.
Innovation Solution
A shape-variable optical element with a flexible lens and electroactive polymer electrodes that change shape in response to voltage, allowing for adjustable focus and focal distance, integrated into an optical read/write device to enhance input/output speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single lens is used for data input/output, then the device structure is simple, but the disc needs to spin faster to achieve faster data transfer, which cannot be infinitely scaled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the lens shape variable through electroactive polymer materials. The lens can dynamically change its curvature and focal length in response to applied voltage, allowing the system to adapt focus positions without mechanical movement of the entire lens assembly or increased disc spinning speed. This dynamic shape adjustment enables faster data access by optimizing focus for different disc layers or regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by utilizing the electro-optic properties of electroactive polymer materials. When voltage is applied to the electrode, the physical parameters of the lens (specifically its shape and focal length) change in response. This allows rapid adjustment of focus without mechanical repositioning, thereby increasing data input/output speed without proportionally increasing disc revolving speed.
2Productivity
If the disc revolves faster to read and write data faster, then data input/output speed increases, but the mechanical limits of disc rotation are reached
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of moving the entire lens assembly or increasing disc rotation with an electro-active system. The electroactive polymer lens changes shape through electrical actuation rather than mechanical movement, substituting electrical fields for mechanical forces. This eliminates the need to increase disc revolving speed, thereby maintaining mechanical stability while achieving faster data access through rapid focal adjustment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a shape-variable lens with electrode is used, then focus and focal distance can be adjusted dynamically, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible shells and thin films by using electroactive polymer materials for the lens construction. These materials inherently possess flexible, thin-film characteristics that enable shape change when voltage is applied. The electroactive polymer layer acts as both the structural lens material and the actuator, eliminating the need for separate mechanical adjustment mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity despite the added adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite materials by combining electroactive polymer materials with traditional lens materials. The electroactive polymer layer is integrated into the lens structure, creating a composite system that maintains optical functionality while adding shape-variable capability. This composite approach enables focus adjustment without requiring entirely new lens designs, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 solution enables faster data input/output speeds by dynamically adjusting the focal point and focal distance of the lens, overcoming the limitations of traditional optical disc drives and enabling more efficient data transfer.
Implementation Method 1
The electrode portion can be made of electroactive polymer. A shape of the electrode portion can be changed when voltage is applied to the electrode.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical read/write device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a lens portion configured to irradiate light emitted from a light source to an optical recording medium, and the lens portion includes: a flexible shape-variable lens; and an electrode portion provided on the shape-variable lens. The shape of the shape-variable lens can be changed when voltage is applied to the electrode.