Solid Elastic Lens Element with Dual Durometer Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorless electro-responsive lens elements, such as fluid lenses, face issues with reliability due to electrical current altering characteristics over time, require complex and costly pumps for fluid injection, and are susceptible to leakage and environmental limitations, leading designers to rely on traditional motor-actuated rigid lens elements for miniaturization and energy conservation.
Innovation Solution
A lens element comprising two elastic solid lenses with different durometer hardness and thickness, where a softer first lens and a firmer second lens are used within a housing, allowing for optical property changes through an actuator assembly without the need for fluids, enhancing reliability and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fluid lens elements are used with electro wetting, fluid injection, or mechanical actuation, then optical properties can be varied, but reliability deteriorates due to leakage, electrical current alteration, or environmental susceptibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter from fluid to solid elastic material. The solid elastic lens elements can be deformed by actuators to vary optical properties (focal length, curvature) while eliminating leakage and electrical current alteration issues inherent in fluid-based systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses solid elastic materials that can be replaced or reconfigured without complex mechanical assemblies. The solid elastic lens elements can be manufactured as simple molded parts, eliminating the need for durable seals, pumps, or electrical components that fail over time
2Weight of moving object
If fluid lens elements are used, then miniaturization and energy conservation are achieved, but device complexity increases due to required pumps and fluid management systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the fluid management system (pumps, reservoirs, seals) from the lens assembly. By using solid elastic materials that can be deformed in place, the complex fluid management infrastructure is removed, simplifying the overall system
Solution Approach 2:
The solid elastic lens elements are deformed directly by integrated actuators without requiring external fluid supply systems. The material itself provides the necessary compliance and deformation capability, making the system self-contained and simpler
3Adaptability or versatility
If deformable membranes with focus fluid are used, then optical property changes are achieved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to difficulty in handling focus fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex fluid-filled membrane assemblies with solid elastic lens elements that can be manufactured as simple molded parts. This eliminates the need for precise fluid handling, sealing, and assembly operations during manufacturing
4Use of energy by moving object
If fluid lens elements are used, then energy efficiency is improved compared to motor-actuated systems, but temperature resistance worsens due to weak membrane structure at high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material state from fluid to solid elastic, which fundamentally alters the temperature resistance parameter. Solid elastic materials maintain their structural integrity and mechanical properties at higher temperatures where fluid-based systems would fail due to membrane weakness and fluid expansion
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 solid elastic lens system provides a reliable, durable, and energy-efficient solution for varying optical properties without leakage or environmental limitations, enabling higher temperature operation and improved optical performance compared to traditional fluid lenses.
Implementation Method 1
A lens element is provided that includes two elastic solid lenses with different durometer hardness and thickness... allowing for optical property changes through an actuator assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A lens element is provided that includes a housing defining a center bore and an optical axis, and a light transmissive cover coupled to the housing. A first elastic solid lens is disposed within the housing adjacent the light transmissive cover, and is characterized by a first thickness and a first durometer hardness. A second elastic solid lens is disposed in the housing adjacent to and substantially conforming to the first elastic solid lens, and is characterized by a second thickness and a second durometer hardness. The second lens thickness is less than the first lens thickness, and the second durometer hardness is greater than the first durometer hardness. In one embodiment, the first durometer hardness is less than OO60 as measured by the Shore method, and the second durometer hardness is in the range of A20 to A60 as measured by the Shore method.