Variable Aperture Optical Device Using Fluidic Membrane Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical devices with variable apertures are complex, expensive, consume high power, and have reliability issues due to bulky mechanical structures and external pressurizing systems, which hinder their integration and optical quality.
Innovation Solution
A compact optical device with a deformable membrane and a support, featuring a first cavity with a constant volume of transparent fluid and a second cavity with a constant volume of opaque liquid, where an actuation device applies electrical voltage to bend the membrane, displacing fluid and adjusting the aperture diameter, allowing for integrated, low-power operation with improved optical quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If mechanical iris diaphragm with mobile blades is used, then aperture control function is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical iris diaphragm system with mobile blades with a fluidic system using liquid crystals. The aperture control is achieved through electrical control of liquid crystal optical properties rather than mechanical movement of blades, thereby reducing mechanical complexity and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the optical parameters of the aperture control medium by using liquid crystals whose optical properties (transparency/opacity) can be electrically controlled. This allows aperture regulation through parameter changes rather than mechanical reconfiguration.
2Shape
If mechanical iris diaphragm with multiple mobile blades is used, then quasi-circular aperture is obtained, but power consumption increases due to friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical blade system entirely and uses liquid crystals to control aperture. The liquid crystals can be electrically controlled to achieve the desired quasi-circular aperture shape without mechanical friction, thereby reducing power consumption.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical iris diaphragm with mobile blades is used, then aperture regulation is achieved, but device size becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the bulky mechanical blade assembly with a compact liquid crystal-based system. The liquid crystals can be contained in a thin layer between substrates, enabling aperture regulation without increasing device volume.
4Ease of operation
If mechanical iris diaphragm with mobile blades is used, then aperture control is achieved, but reliability decreases due to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system with mobile blades that subject to wear and friction with a solid-state liquid crystal system. The liquid crystals are contained between substrates and controlled electrically, eliminating mechanical contact and wear, thereby improving reliability.
5Ease of operation
If external pressurizing system for opaque liquid is used, then aperture adjustment is achieved, but device integration is reduced and size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the aperture control function and the optical path into a single integrated device. The liquid crystals are placed directly in the optical path between substrates, eliminating the need for external pressurizing systems and achieving full integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the external mechanical pressurizing system with an electrical control system for liquid crystals. The liquid crystals can be electrically controlled to adjust aperture without requiring external mechanical actuators or pressurizing equipment.
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 results in a compact, cost-effective, and reliable optical device with low power consumption, optimized thickness, and fast response time, suitable for miniature applications like mobile cameras, with enhanced manufacturing efficiency and optical performance.
Implementation Method 1
at least one actuation device of a region of the membrane located between the peripheral anchoring area and the central optical area of the membrane, configured to bend said region of the membrane by application of electrical actuation voltage
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 3A~3C
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
The invention relates to an optical device (100) with variable aperture, comprising: - a deformable membrane (1) comprising a central optical area (1a), - a support (10, 12) to which a peripheral anchoring area (1c) of said membrane (1) is connected, - a first cavity filled with a constant volume of a first transparent fluid (2) in a determined range of wavelengths, said cavity being delimited at least in part by a first face of said membrane (1) and a wall of the support (10), - at least one actuation device (5) of a region (1b) of the membrane located between the peripheral anchoring area (1c) and the central optical area (1a) of the membrane, configured to bend said region (1b) of the membrane by application of electrical actuation voltage so as to displace some of the volume of the first fluid (2) towards the centre or towards the periphery of the first cavity, said displacement of fluid being intended to deform the central area (1a) of the membrane, said optical device (100) being characterized in that it also comprises a constant volume of opaque liquid (3) in said determined range of wavelengths, in contact at least locally with a second face of the membrane (1) opposite the first face and with a second transparent fluid (4) in said determined range of wavelengths and non-miscible with said opaque liquid (3).