Variable Focal Length Lens Device Using Electrowetting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variable focal length lens devices face challenges in adjusting magnification and focus position without mechanical drive mechanisms, leading to complexity, size issues, high manufacturing costs, and reduced responsiveness.
Innovation Solution
A variable focal length lens device comprising a first, second, and third variable focal length lens, along with a fixed focal length lens, arranged to form infinite conjugate systems at specific conjugate points, allowing for desired changes in magnification and focus position without mechanical drives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical drive mechanism is used to adjust magnification and focus position, then the adjustment capability is achieved, but the device complexity, size, manufacturing cost, and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical drive mechanisms with liquid lenses that use electrowetting technology to change focal length. The liquid lenses are controlled by voltage application rather than mechanical movement, eliminating complex mechanical structures while achieving variable magnification and focus adjustment. This substitution directly resolves the contradiction by maintaining adaptability while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs liquid lenses filled with liquid materials that change shape and focal length through electrowetting effects. By using hydraulic/electrowetting principles instead of mechanical drives, the system achieves focus and magnification adjustment without moving parts, thereby reducing complexity while preserving full adjustment capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical drive mechanism is used to adjust magnification and focus position, then the adjustment capability is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing expensive mechanical drive mechanisms with electrowetting-based liquid lenses, the patent significantly reduces manufacturing costs. The liquid lens structure requires only simple electrode arrangements and liquid filling, eliminating the need for precision mechanical components, motors, and complex assembly processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical drive mechanism is used to adjust magnification and focus position, then the adjustment capability is achieved, but the responsiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves rapid responsiveness by replacing slow mechanical movement with instantaneous electrowetting effects. When voltage is applied to the liquid lenses, the focal length changes almost immediately without the inertia and friction limitations of mechanical systems, enabling fast focus and magnification adjustments.
4Adaptability or versatility
If two variable focal length lenses are used for magnification adjustment, then the desired magnification is attained, but aberrations occur easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different optical configurations to different parts of the lens system. The first liquid lens (L1) is configured as a positive lens while the second liquid lens (L2) is configured as a negative lens, creating an infinite conjugate system that specifically addresses aberration control in the magnification adjustment path while maintaining variable magnification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses asymmetric lens configurations where L1 and L2 have different signs and magnitudes of focal length. This asymmetric arrangement in the infinite conjugate system helps balance and reduce various types of optical aberrations that would occur with symmetric or simple lens configurations.
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 flexible adjustment of magnification and focus position, reducing aberrations and improving responsiveness, while avoiding the complexities and costs associated with mechanical drive mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
liquid lenses using an electrowetting technology have been adopted
Data Source
AI summary
A variable focus lens device includes: a first variable focus lens; a second variable focus lens disposed behind the first variable focus lens; a third variable focus lens disposed behind the second variable focus lens; a fixed focus lens disposed behind the third variable focus lens; a first conjugate point that is disposed at a first focus before the first variable focus lens; a second conjugate point that is disposed at a fourth focus behind the fixed focus lens; and a third conjugate point that is disposed at a second focus behind the second variable focus lens, and at a third focus before the third variable focus lens, a first partial optical system is an infinite conjugate system in relation to the first conjugate point, and a second partial optical system is an infinite conjugate system in relation to the third conjugate point.