Tunable Liquid Lens with Cage Element for Compact Optical Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging optical systems in compact devices like mobile phones face challenges in achieving a compact design while allowing for adjustable optical parameters during image capture, such as optical image stabilization and focal adjustments, due to limitations in existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
An imaging optical system incorporating a folding component and a tunable optical component with a deformable internal space filled with a transparent liquid, where the tunable optical component's optical properties can be adjusted by altering the shape of the internal space, and a moveable cage element mechanically coupled to the folding component, utilizing actuators to generate displacement forces for optical property changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a compact design is implemented in the imaging optical system, then the overall size is reduced, but the ability to adjust optical parameters during image capture is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a tunable optical component with a deformable internal space that can dynamically alter its shape to change optical properties such as focal length. The internal space is bounded by movable optical surfaces that can be displaced relative to each other, enabling real-time adjustment of optical parameters within a compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters of the optical system by deforming the internal space of the tunable optical component. The shape, volume, and curvature of the internal space are varied to adjust optical properties, allowing multiple optical functions to be achieved with a single compact component rather than requiring multiple fixed components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical components are arranged in the optical path to enable parameter adjustment, then optical functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the folding component and tunable optical component into a integrated assembly where the cage element mechanically couples both components. This combination allows multiple optical functions (folding the optical path and tuning optical parameters) to be achieved through a single unified structure rather than separate independent components.
Solution Approach 2:
The tunable optical component serves multiple functions by varying its internal space configuration. The same component can adjust focal length, enable optical image stabilization, and modify other optical parameters, replacing what would traditionally require multiple specialized components.
3Length of moving object
If a folding component is used to deflect the light path, then the optical path length is reduced, but the alignment precision between components becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical system into modular components (folding component, cage element, tunable optical component) that can be independently aligned and adjusted. The mechanical coupling through the cage element allows for precise positioning of each segment while maintaining the overall folded optical path configuration.
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 compact design with adjustable optical properties, facilitating optical image stabilization and focal adjustments, thereby improving image quality in mobile devices by allowing for deformation of the internal space and displacement of optical components.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator comprises at least one coil and at least one magnet, wherein the coil is fixedly arranged with respect to the folding component and the magnet is fixedly attached to the cage element
Implementation Method 2
The internal space is filled with a transparent liquid
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to an imaging optical system (1) comprising a folding component (2) and a tunable optical component (3) that are arranged on an optical path of the optical system (1), wherein the tunable optical component (3) comprises a first optical surface (7), a second optical surface (8) and a deformable internal space (9) between the first optical surface (7) and the second optical surface (8), which internal space (9) is filled with a transparent liquid (11), wherein an optical property of the tunable optical component (3) is adjustable by altering a shape of the internal space (9). The imaging optical system (1) further comprises a moveably mounted cage element (13) that at least partly encloses the folding component (2) and is mechanically coupled to the tunable optical component (3) such that a displacement of the cage element (13) causes a change of the optical property of the tunable optical component (3) and an actuator (14, 15, 16) that is arranged between the folding component (2) and the cage element (13) and the actuator (14, 15, 16) is configured to exert a displacement force to the cage element (13).