Six-Lens Imaging System with Negative Sixth Element for Compact High-Resolution Optics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing imaging lenses for portable devices face challenges in achieving high optical performance due to the small pixel size and the need for multiple lenses, which complicates the implementation of high pixel density while maintaining compactness and optical quality.

Innovation Solution

The design of an imaging lens comprising a sequence of lenses with specific power configurations and Abbe numbers, including a first convex lens, a second positive lens, a third negative or positive lens, a fourth positive or negative lens, a fifth lens with positive or negative power, and a sixth lens with a point of inflection, along with an aperture stop positioned strategically to optimize focal length and reduce chromatic aberration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If four or five lenses are used to implement high pixels, then pixel density increases, but optical performance deteriorates due to small pixel size and system complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepixel densityVSAvoidoptical performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sixth lens with negative power serves multiple functions: it corrects chromatic aberration, reduces spherical aberration, and contributes to the overall focal length control. This multi-functional design allows the lens system to maintain high optical performance without requiring an increased number of lens elements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for each lens element, including focal lengths (f1, f2, f3, f4, f5, f6), Abbe numbers (v1, v2, v3, v4, v5), and curvature radii (r1, r2, r3, r4, r5, r6, r7, r8). By optimizing these parameters within defined ranges, the system achieves high pixel density while maintaining excellent optical performance through mathematical control of light propagation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If multiple lenses are used to correct chromatic aberration, then optical quality improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical qualityVSAvoidlens configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite lens design where lenses with different Abbe numbers (dispersion properties) are combined. Specifically, lenses with Abbe numbers v1, v2, v3, v4, v5 are selected from specific ranges to create a composite optical system that corrects chromatic aberration through the complementary dispersion characteristics of different materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The sixth lens with negative power provides partial correction for chromatic and spherical aberrations that would otherwise require additional lens elements. This partial action approach maintains optical quality while limiting the total number of lenses to six, thereby controlling device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If lens elements are added to improve axial performance, then optical characteristics enhance, but compactness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxial performanceVSAvoidcompactness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent controls the axial length (TTL - total track length) by optimizing the distribution of optical power across six lens elements rather than adding more elements axially. The conditional equations constrain the TTL relative to the focal length F, ensuring compactness is maintained while achieving high axial performance through precise power allocation and spacing optimization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 configuration enhances optical characteristics by improving axial performance, reducing chromatic aberration, and maintaining a compact form, allowing for better marketability and ease of securing optical performance in portable devices.