Silicon Liquid Lens Electrowetting Compact Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable devices face challenges in achieving high-resolution, compact optical devices with functions like optical zoom, auto-focusing, and image stabilization due to the increased size and power consumption associated with multiple lenses, and existing liquid lenses face manufacturing complexities with glass materials.
Innovation Solution
A liquid lens using a silicon housing structure with conductive and non-conductive liquids, where the focal length is adjusted via electrowetting, and a silicon wafer-based manufacturing process reduces size and power consumption, incorporating a light-blocking layer to manage light transmission and compensate for manufacturing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lenses are combined to achieve high-resolution and various photographing functions, then the photographing functions are improved, but the size of the optical device is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lens functions (auto-focusing, optical zoom, image stabilization) into a single liquid lens by varying the curvature of the liquid-liquid interface through electrowetting, eliminating the need for multiple separate lenses and their associated moving mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical lens moving apparatus with an electrical field-based liquid lens system that adjusts focal length and curvature through electrowetting effect, removing the need for motors, gears, and mechanical actuators
2Adaptability or versatility
If lens moving apparatus is used to perform auto-focusing and handshake compensation, then the photographing functions are improved, but the power consumption is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces power-consuming mechanical lens moving apparatus with an electrowetting-based liquid lens system that uses electrical fields to adjust focal length and interface curvature, dramatically reducing power consumption by eliminating motors and mechanical actuators
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the lens from fixed-curvature solid/liquid lens to variable-curvature liquid lens, enabling dynamic adjustment of focal length through electrical control of liquid interface curvature via electrowetting
3Adaptability or versatility
If lens moving apparatus is used to perform handshake compensation, then the image stabilization function is improved, but the overall thickness is increased due to additional cover glass
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges image stabilization functionality into the liquid lens system itself by tilting or moving the liquid lens module, eliminating the need for separate cover glass and protective housings required by traditional mechanical stabilization systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the unnecessary cover glass and protective structures from traditional optical systems by using a liquid lens that can be directly actuated for image stabilization without requiring additional mechanical protection
4Reliability
If glass material is used for liquid lens housing, then the sealing is improved, but the manufacturing complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite material structure combining silicon substrate with hydrophobic coating layers to achieve both sealing and ease of manufacturing, leveraging silicon's ease of patterning with the coating's sealing properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface properties of the silicon housing by applying hydrophobic coatings, transforming it from a material that requires complex glass sealing processes to one that provides effective sealing through surface chemistry modification
5Manufacturing precision
If traditional manufacturing process is used for liquid lens, then the manufacturing precision is maintained, but the productivity is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical lens shaping processes with silicon wafer patterning and hydrophobic coating deposition, enabling parallel batch processing that maintains precision while dramatically increasing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the manufacturing approach from precision mechanical machining to semiconductor-style photolithography and deposition processes, achieving high precision through process control rather than mechanical tolerance stacking
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 silicon-based liquid lens reduces manufacturing costs and improves productivity while enabling compact, low-power camera modules with adjustable focal lengths, enhancing the functionality of portable devices.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid lens configured to electrically adjust the curvature of an interface between two kinds of liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid lens may include a first plate which accommodates a conductive liquid and a non-conductive liquid, has an opening formed therein and having a predetermined inclined surface, and is formed from silicon; a first electrode disposed on the first plate; a second electrode disposed under the first plate; a second plate disposed on the first electrode; a third plate disposed under the second electrode; and a light blocking layer disposed between the first plate and the third plate.