Variable TIR Lens Assembly with Electrowetting Cell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting and detection devices using total internal reflection (TIR) lenses require external variable optics for beam shaping and steering, limiting the extent of these capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A variable TIR lens assembly incorporating an electrowetting cell with high and low index of refraction liquids, controlled by electrodes, which alters the optical characteristics by changing the position of the liquids within the cell, allowing for manipulation of beam shape and direction without external optics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed TIR lens is used, then the device structure is simple, but the beam shaping and steering capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the TIR lens and electrowetting lens into a single integrated assembly. The electrowetting cell is positioned adjacent to the TIR lens with its optical axis aligned, creating a unified optical system that combines the beam direction control of TIR with the beam shaping capability of electrowetting, eliminating the need for separate external optics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control to the previously static TIR lens system by incorporating an electrowetting cell that can change its focal length and optical properties in real-time through voltage control. This allows the beam shape and direction to be dynamically adjusted without mechanical movement, enhancing adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity
2Adaptability or versatility
If external variable optics are added to a TIR lens, then beam steering capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of the TIR lens (for beam direction) and the electrowetting lens (for beam shaping and additional steering) into a single integrated assembly. This merger eliminates the need for separate external variable optics, reducing the total number of optical components while maintaining enhanced beam steering capability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated TIR-electrowetting lens assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: beam direction control through TIR, beam shaping through electrowetting, and beam steering through the combination of both mechanisms. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate optical components, simplifying the overall device structure
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
Enables a wide range of beam shaping and steering capabilities, from narrow to wide beams, and adjustable fields of view, enhancing the functionality of lighting and detection devices without the need for external optics.
Implementation Method 1
The low index of refraction liquid is responsive to electrowetting signals to vary an amount of the exterior wall of the transparent lens covered by the low index of refraction liquid
Implementation Method 2
cause total internal reflection of light within the transparent lens
Implementation Method 3
The high index of refraction liquid and the low index of refraction liquid are immiscible
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are examples of optical/electrical devices including a variable TIR lens assembly having a transducer, an optical lens and an electrowetting cell coupled to an exterior wall of the lens. The electrowetting cell contains two immiscible liquids having different optical and electrical properties. One liquid has a high index of refraction, and the other liquid has a low index of refraction. At least one liquid is electrically conductive. A signal causes the high index of refraction and the low index of refraction liquids to assume various positions within the electrowetting cell along the exterior wall. The properties of the optical lens, e.g. its total internal reflectivity, change depending upon the position of the respective liquids along the exterior wall. The light detection characteristics of the assembly change to receive an input light beam over a range of inputs or over a range of fields of view.