Electrically Tunable Lens Module for Fast Focal Length Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical devices using multiple lenses are bulky, costly, and have unsatisfactory optical functions due to mechanical adjustments that are slow and limited in focal length variation range.

Innovation Solution

An optical device design featuring a lens module with a focal length that varies in response to an applied electric field, eliminating the need for mechanical structures and allowing for rapid focal length adjustments through voltage control, integrated into semiconductor manufacturing processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple lenses are assembled together to achieve high optical efficiency, then optical performance is improved, but device volume and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical efficiencyVSAvoiddevice volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple lens functions into a single lens by integrating multiple optical elements within one lens structure. This allows the lens to perform multiple optical functions simultaneously, reducing the need for separate lenses and thereby decreasing device volume while maintaining optical efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lens is designed with multi-functionality, where a single lens structure performs multiple optical functions that traditionally required separate lenses. This universal design reduces the number of components needed, simplifying assembly and reducing overall device volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical structures are used for focal length adjustment, then focal length variation is achieved, but adjustment speed and resolution are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocal length rangeVSAvoidadjustment speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical adjustment structures with an electrical control system. By using electrical signals to control the lens elements, the system achieves faster adjustment speeds and higher resolution compared to mechanical methods, while maintaining a wide focal length range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The lens adjusts its focal length by changing electrical parameters (voltage or current) rather than mechanical parameters. This allows for rapid and precise control of the lens elements, enabling fast and high-resolution focal length adjustment without the limitations of mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple lenses are assembled together, then optical functions are enhanced, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical functionVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple optical functions into a single integrated lens structure, eliminating the need for separate lenses and their associated mounting, alignment, and sealing requirements. This significantly reduces assembly complexity while maintaining enhanced optical functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single lens is designed to perform multiple optical functions simultaneously, replacing what would traditionally require multiple specialized lenses. This universal design simplifies the assembly process by reducing the number of components and their interconnections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If conventional lens assemblies are used, then optical efficiency is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical efficiencyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces power-intensive mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an electrical control system that consumes less power. The electrical system can rapidly adjust lens elements without the continuous power consumption required by mechanical motors and actuators, while maintaining optical efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 design reduces device volume, simplifies assembly and manufacturing, enhances optical performance with increased focal length range and resolution, and lowers power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a lens module with a focal length that varies in response to an applied electric field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric field effect on lens focal length: Electro-Optic Effects

Data Source

PatentUS12468130B2Optical device and method of manufacturing the same

Publication Date: 2025.11.11 TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO LTD

AI summary

An optical device includes a substrate, a first electrode, a second electrode, and a first lens. The first electrode and the second electrode are over the substrate and configured to generate a first electric field. The first lens is between the first electrode and the second electrode and has a focal length that varies in response to the first electric field applied to the first lens.