Tunable Lens Assembly for Thin Autofocus Camera Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Miniaturized electronic devices face challenges in mounting a lens assembly that allows for focusing operations without increasing thickness, which can degrade image quality and compromise the device's appearance.
Innovation Solution
A lens assembly with a tunable lens configured between two fixed lenses, allowing power or curvature adjustment without physical movement, comprising a transparent plate, a polymer plate with changeable curvature, a sealing member, and a refractive index medium, enabling focal length adjustment and improved image quality in a miniaturized device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lens assembly is allowed to move forward and backward for focusing operations, then the focusing function and image quality are improved, but the device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the mechanical movement of the lens assembly with a tunable lens that dynamically changes its optical properties. The tunable lens can adjust its focal length and curvature in real-time without physical movement, enabling focusing functionality while maintaining a fixed, thin device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a tunable lens that can modify its optical parameters (focal length, curvature) through controlled deformation. This allows the lens to adapt to different focusing requirements by changing its physical state rather than moving its position, thereby solving the contradiction between focusing capability and device thickness.
2Length of stationary object
If the lens assembly is limited in forward and backward movement to maintain miniaturization and appearance, then the device thickness and appearance are improved, but the focusing capability and image quality are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing the mechanical focusing system (lens assembly moving forward and backward) with an optical parameter adjustment system (tunable lens changing curvature and focal length). This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical movement while maintaining focusing capability, thus resolving the contradiction between device thickness and focusing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes to enable the tunable lens to adjust its optical properties dynamically. By changing the curvature and focal length parameters of the tunable lens through controlled deformation, the system achieves focusing functionality without physical movement, thereby maintaining both miniaturization and focusing capability.
3Reliability
If a tunable lens is added to enable focusing without movement, then the focusing capability and image quality are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the tunable lens to perform multiple functions within a single component. The tunable lens can adjust its focal length, change curvature, and adapt to different focusing requirements all through one integrated structure, reducing the need for separate mechanical focusing mechanisms and thereby managing device complexity while enhancing focusing capability.
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 focusing without physical movement, facilitating easy mounting in miniaturized devices while maintaining appearance harmony and enhancing image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid state or gel state medium accommodated in the space between the transparent plate and the polymer plate, wherein the medium may have a refractive index n1 that satisfies Conditional Expression 7 below: 1.25≤n1
Data Source
AI summary
According to various embodiments disclosed herein, a lens assembly and/or an electronic device including the same may include at least four lenses which are sequentially arranged along an optical axis from an object side to a sensor side, and a tunable lens disposed between two lenses selected from among the at least four lenses and configured such that power or curvature thereof can be changed, wherein the lens assembly may satisfy Conditional Expression 1 below:1.0=<(Htun_max)/(Htot_min)=<3.0 [Conditional Expression 1]where “Htun_max” represents a maximum height of marginal ray of the tunable lens, and “Htot_min” represents a minimum height of marginal ray of the entire lens assembly.