Movable Turning Lens Layout for Thin Zoom Camera Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
The thickness of electronic devices is increased due to the large space occupied by conventional camera modules, hindering their lightweight and thin design.
Innovation Solution
An optical lens system with a movable turning element that moves between the image sides of different front lens groups, allowing for different focal lengths without increasing the space occupied, and includes a light shielding apparatus to prevent stray light and improve imaging quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional camera module structure is used, then high imaging performance can be achieved, but the thickness of the electronic device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the arrangement dimension of lens groups from a single optical axis line to a two-dimensional plane distribution. The front lens groups are arranged side-by-side in the horizontal direction rather than stacking them in the thickness direction, which reduces the overall thickness while maintaining imaging performance through multiple optical paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera module is segmented into multiple independent lens groups (first front lens group, second front lens group, first rear lens group, second rear lens group) that can be independently arranged and focused. This segmentation allows flexible spatial arrangement to reduce thickness while maintaining imaging capabilities through coordinated operation of separate lens groups.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lens groups are added to achieve zoom functionality, then zoom capability is improved, but the space occupied by the camera module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements zoom functionality by arranging lens groups in the horizontal dimension rather than extending the optical path in the thickness dimension. The first and second front lens groups are positioned side-by-side, allowing the system to switch between different focal lengths without increasing the overall module volume significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The rear lens groups serve multiple functions: they act as common focusing lenses for both front lens groups and also contribute to the zoom functionality when combined with the switching mechanism between different front lens groups. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated zoom lens groups.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a movable turning element is added to achieve different focal lengths, then zoom capability is improved, but the structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The turning element moves in the horizontal direction (parallel to the optical axis) rather than rotating in the traditional sense, which simplifies the mechanical structure. This linear movement along the optical axis allows switching between different focal lengths without complex rotational mechanisms or additional actuation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The turning element automatically switches between positions to select different front lens groups based on the required focal length, reducing the need for complex control systems. The element's movement itself serves the function of optical path selection without requiring additional control 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 solution reduces the thickness of the camera module and electronic device while maintaining high imaging performance and zoom capabilities, and simplifies the structure to lower costs.
Implementation Method 1
the first turning element is configured to reflect an emergent light beam of the first front lens group G01 to the first rear lens group G1
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~2a
Figure 2b~3
AI summary
This application relates to the field of optical lens technologies, and provides an optical lens, a camera module, and an electronic device, to resolve a problem in a conventional technology that a thickness of an electronic device is relatively large because a camera module occupies large space. The optical lens includes a front lens group, a first turning element, a first rear lens group, and a second rear lens group. The front lens group includes a first front lens group and a second front lens group. When the first turning element is at a first position, the first turning element is located on an image side of the first front lens group, and is configured to reflect an emergent light beam of the first front lens group to the first rear lens group; and the optical lens has a first effective focal length. When the first turning element is at a second position, the first turning element is located on an image side of the second front lens group, and is configured to reflect an emergent light beam of the second front lens group to the first rear lens group; and the optical lens has a second effective focal length F2, and the second effective focal length is greater than the first effective focal length F1. This application may be applied to an electronic device such as a mobile phone.