Two-Lens Optical System Reducing Positioning Sensitivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing two-lens devices lack configuration for balanced collimation adjustment and beam steering, resulting in high lens positioning sensitivity, making it difficult to achieve suitable light combining efficiency with minimal sensitivity to lens movement.

Innovation Solution

A two-lens optical system where the first lens is used for collimation adjustment, moving only along the optical axis, and the second lens is used for beam steering, moving along two axes perpendicular to the optical axis, allowing for improved positioning accuracy and alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single-lens device is used for collimation or focusing, then the device structure is simple, but the lens positioning sensitivity is high making it difficult to adjust light combining efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidlens positioning sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single lens into two separate lenses: a first lens for collimation adjustment and a second lens for beam steering. This segmentation allows each lens to have specialized movement constraints (first lens moves only along optical axis, second lens moves only perpendicular to optical axis), reducing overall positioning sensitivity while maintaining functional capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If a two-lens device is used to reduce lens positioning sensitivity, then the light combining efficiency becomes more stable, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens positioning sensitivityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by giving each lens different movement characteristics: the first lens is constrained to move only along the optical axis for collimation, while the second lens is constrained to move only perpendicular to the optical axis for beam steering. This localized functional differentiation reduces overall system sensitivity while managing complexity through specialized design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If the first lens is constrained to move only along the optical axis, then collimation adjustment is improved, but the degree of freedom for positioning is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollimation adjustment precisionVSAvoidpositioning degree of freedom
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the positioning functions between two lenses: the first lens handles only longitudinal (optical axis) movement for collimation, while the second lens handles only lateral (perpendicular) movement for beam steering. This segmentation converts a single degree of freedom constraint into a coordinated two-lens system where each lens has specialized mobility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Manufacturing precision

If the second lens is constrained to move only perpendicular to the optical axis, then beam steering precision is improved, but the ability to adjust collimation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam steering precisionVSAvoidcollimation adjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments functionality so that the second lens is dedicated solely to beam steering with lateral movement constraints, while the first lens handles collimation with longitudinal movement. This functional segmentation ensures each lens optimizes its specialized function without compromising the other through movement interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This configuration reduces lens positioning sensitivity, enabling precise collimation and beam steering with lower sensitivity compared to single-lens devices, enhancing the stability and accuracy of light combining efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a first lens for use in collimation adjustment, the first lens being configured to move along only an optical axis of light emitted from a light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical collimation: Lens

Implementation Method 2

a second lens for use in beam steering, the second lens being configured to move along only two axes perpendicular to the optical axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBeam steering: Lens

Data Source

PatentEP3794392B1Two-lens optical system, beam combining module, projector, and method for assembling two-lens optical system
Publication Date: 2024.10.02 SHARP KK
  • EP3794392B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(b)
  • EP3794392B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3794392B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

[Object] To provide (i) a two-lens optical system, (ii) a beam combining module, (iii) a projector, and (iv) a method for assembling a two-lens optical system each of which allows for an improved lens positioning sensitivity [Means to Attain the Object] A two-lens optical system (100) includes a first lens (1) for use in collimation adjustment, the first lens being configured to move along only an optical axis of light emitted from a light source; and a second lens (2) for use in beam steering, the second lens being configured to move along only two axes perpendicular to the optical axis.