Compact Structured Light Lens Unit for Slim Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser diode modules for generating collimated infrared light are bulky and cannot meet the requirements of modern slim devices like mobile phones and wearable technology, and they often require a dust-proof lens that can affect optical path length and working distance, limiting their flexibility and performance.
Innovation Solution
A structured light generation device with a lens unit that includes a mixed form structure with diffractive, reflective, and refractive optical elements, capable of generating two different optical path lengths, allowing for a range of parameters and improved tolerance, and featuring a compact design suitable for mobile devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a current laser diode module is used to generate collimated infrared light, then the light can be collimated, but the module has bulky volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (collimation, dust protection, and optical path length adjustment) into a single integrated lens unit. This merging of functions reduces the overall module volume while maintaining the necessary optical performance, directly resolving the contradiction between compact size and functional reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens unit is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a collimating lens, a dust-proof cover, and an optical path length adjuster. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing volume while ensuring reliable operation under various conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a dust-proof lens is installed on the laser diode module, then the module is protected from dust, but the optical path length or working distance changes
Solution Approach 1:
The dust-proof cover is merged with the lens unit itself rather than being a separate component. This integration ensures that the dust protection function does not introduce additional optical path length variations, as the lens and dust cover become a unified optical element with controlled characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens unit is designed with specific optical parameters (focal length, curvature) that compensate for the presence of the dust-proof cover. By carefully controlling these parameters, the overall optical path length remains stable and precise, maintaining manufacturing precision while providing dust protection.
3Volume of moving object
If the device size is reduced for modern slim devices, then the device becomes compact, but the tolerance for optical parameters becomes critical
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple optical functions into a single lens unit, the patent reduces the number of optical interfaces and alignment requirements. This integration simplifies the optical system, making it more tolerant to manufacturing variations while maintaining compact dimensions suitable for slim devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens unit is designed with optimized optical parameters that are less sensitive to manufacturing tolerances. By carefully selecting focal length, aperture, and surface curvature, the system maintains stable performance even with small variations in fabrication, enabling compact design without sacrificing precision.
4Device complexity
If a fixed optical path length is used, then the system is simple, but it cannot adapt to different working conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The lens unit is designed to accommodate a range of optical path lengths rather than a fixed value. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different working distances and focal lengths, providing versatility while maintaining a relatively simple single-unit structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens unit's optical parameters are designed to support variable optical path lengths. By incorporating a range of acceptable focal lengths and working distances into the lens design, the system can adapt to different operating conditions without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
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 device effectively collimates an invisible laser spot into a linear beam, enhancing flexibility and performance for 2D, 3D, and 4D sensing functions while maintaining a compact size, suitable for various working distances and focal lengths, thus addressing the bulkiness and flexibility issues of existing modules.
Implementation Method 1
The lens element has a first surface for collimating an invisible laser spot
Implementation Method 2
a first surface of the lens unit with a diffracting function faces to the laser diode
Implementation Method 3
the mixed form contains diffractive, reflective and/or refractive optical elements
Implementation Method 4
the mixed form contains diffractive, reflective and/or refractive optical elements
Implementation Method 5
the mixed form contains diffractive, reflective and/or refractive optical elements
Implementation Method 6
another plane with a lenticular lens array structure
Data Source
AI summary
A structured light generation device is equipped with a lens unit. The lens unit is installed in a compact housing of the structured light generation device such that it can be workable for two different optical path lengths, and hence for a range of parameter, such as effective focal length, back focal length, or working distance. By the lens unit, an infrared laser spot is collimated into a linear infrared laser beam or specific light pattern if with a free-form type structure formed on a surface where the free form contains diffractive, refractive, and/or reflective optical structures simultaneously or effectively. Consequently, the infrared laser spot is shaped into a structured light for detection or interactive action.