Variable Focal Length Lens Elastic Mount Pressure Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lenses of variable focal length face optical distortion and potential rupture due to increased liquid pressure during assembly and temperature changes, which can disrupt their optical properties.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an elastic member in the lens mount that can deform in response to pressure changes, maintaining the optical properties by distributing stress and preventing deformation of the transparent plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid lens mount structure is used, then the lens provides structural stability, but the transparent plates deform or rupture under liquid pressure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an elastic membrane that selectively deforms under liquid pressure to compensate for expansion forces. This flexible element absorbs pressure increases during assembly and temperature changes, preventing transmission of harmful stresses to the transparent plates while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the mechanical parameters of the lens mount by incorporating an elastic membrane with specific elasticity characteristics. This allows the mount to dynamically adjust its rigidity - remaining stable under normal conditions but becoming compliant when liquid pressure exceeds threshold levels, thereby protecting the optical components.
2Manufacturing precision
If the lens mount is made rigid for assembly stability, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but optical distortion occurs under pressure variations
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic membrane acts as a pressure-compensating flexible element that deforms to absorb expansion forces from liquid thermal expansion and assembly pressure. This prevents transmission of destabilizing forces to the transparent plates, maintaining optical alignment and preventing distortion while allowing controlled deformation for pressure relief.
3Strength
If the transparent plates are made more resistant to pressure, then structural strength increases, but the lens becomes more complex and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pressure-absorbing function from the transparent plates and assigns it to a dedicated elastic membrane component. This allows the transparent plates to maintain their simple, optically critical design while the separate membrane handles all pressure compensation, simplifying the overall manufacturing process compared to creating pressure-resistant optical plates.
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 elastic member ensures that the lens maintains its optical properties during assembly, storage, and use, preventing distortion and rupture, while allowing for compensation of liquid expansion effects.
Implementation Method 1
a wall surrounding one of the transparent members and partially delimiting the internal volume, the wall including an elastic member that comprises a non-linear portion capable of deforming in response to a change in pressure of the liquids
Implementation Method 2
Through electrowetting phenomena it is possible to modify the curvature of the interface between the two liquids, according to the voltage V applied between the electrodes 7 and 8
Implementation Method 3
having a different refractive index and essentially the same density. An annular electrode 7, which is open facing the recess 3, is positioned on the rear face of the lower plate 2
Data Source
AI summary
A lens assembly of variable focal length comprises two transparent plates (24, 38) at least partially facing each other and parallel to one another and delimiting, at least in part, an internal volume (15) containing two non-miscible liquids having different optical indices. The lens comprises an elastic element (36) capable of deforming in response to a change in pressure of the liquids, in such a way as to substantially maintain the optical properties of the lens assembly, e.g., in order to maintain the parallelism of the two transparent plates.