Two-Unit Zoom Lens Layout for Compact Aberration Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional zoom lenses are large in size and fail to achieve sufficient image quality and adequate correction of aberrations such as spherical aberration and coma.
Innovation Solution
A zoom lens configuration with a first lens unit having negative refractive power and a second lens unit having positive refractive power, where the distance between adjacent lens units changes during zooming, and specific inequalities are satisfied to optimize the radii and focal lengths of the lenses, enhancing optical performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional zoom lens configurations are used, then the lens can be manufactured with standard designs, but the overall size becomes large and image quality is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the focal length ratio between lens units (specifically f1/f2 within 0.20-0.40) and adjusting the radii of curvature of lens surfaces according to specific formulas. These parameter optimizations enable compact dimensions while maintaining manufacturability with standard lens design practices.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional zoom lens configurations are used, then standard manufacturing processes can be applied, but aberrations such as spherical aberration and coma cannot be sufficiently corrected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning specific optical properties to individual lens elements within the system. Each lens unit has optimized refractive indices, dispersion values, and surface curvatures tailored to its specific function in correcting particular types of aberrations, while maintaining compatibility with standard manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material principles by combining lens elements with different glass types having specific refractive indices (nd1, nd2, etc.) and Abbe numbers (vd1, vd2, etc.). This composite approach allows simultaneous correction of multiple aberration types including spherical aberration and coma through the synergistic optical properties of different materials.
3Volume of moving object
If the lens configuration is optimized for compact size, then the overall dimensions are reduced, but optical performance over the entire zoom range deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing a zoom lens system where the first and second lens units move relative to each other during zooming operations. The distance between lens units changes dynamically according to the zoom position, allowing the compact structure to maintain excellent optical performance across the entire focal length range through adaptive optical path adjustment.
4Manufacturing precision
If more lens elements are added to improve image quality, then aberration correction improves, but the lens becomes larger and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the zoom lens into distinct functional units: a first lens unit with negative refractive power and a second lens unit with positive refractive power. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized for specific aberration correction functions while maintaining an overall simple and compact structure that avoids unnecessary complexity.
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 configuration achieves excellent optical performance over the entire zoom range by effectively correcting various aberrations, including spherical aberration, coma, and curvature of field, while allowing for a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
a negative lens L11 having a concave lens surface on the image side, and a positive lens L12 having a convex lens surface on the object side
Data Source
AI summary
A zoom lens includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens unit having negative refractive power and a second lens unit having positive refractive power. A distance between adjacent lens units changes during zooming. The first lens unit includes a plurality of lenses, the plurality of lenses consisting of a negative lens having a concave lens surface on the image side, and a positive lens having a convex lens surface on the object side and disposed on the image side of the negative lens via an air gap. A predetermined condition is satisfied.