Variable Focus Lens Assembly With Crossed Bearing Balls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional variable focus lens implementations are unsuitable for small form factor devices due to size constraints, sensitivity to vibrations, and slow response rates, limiting their use in mobile imaging apparatuses and requiring frequent maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A variable focus lens assembly using a lens barrel assembly positioned by interactions between positioning magnets and coils, with bearing balls for mobility, allowing rapid focusing and reduced power consumption, suitable for small form factor devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional variable focus lens implementations are used, then focusing capability is achieved, but device size becomes too large for small form factor devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical focusing mechanisms with an electromagnetic system consisting of a coil assembly and magnet assembly. The coil assembly generates a magnetic field that interacts with the magnet assembly to move the optical member along the optical axis, eliminating the need for large mechanical components and enabling compact device design while maintaining variable focus capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and parameters of the electromagnetic components, specifically using a coil assembly with wire windings and a magnet assembly with permanent magnets. By controlling the electrical current through the coil, the magnetic field strength varies, enabling continuous adjustment of the optical member position and achieving variable focus in a compact configuration
2Speed
If conventional variable focus lens implementations are used, then focusing is achieved, but response rate becomes slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes slow mechanical focusing mechanisms with an electromagnetic actuation system. The coil assembly and magnet assembly provide rapid electromagnetic force generation, enabling fast response rates for focus adjustment. The direct electromagnetic interaction eliminates mechanical inertia and friction delays, achieving quick focus transitions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic or pulsed electrical current through the coil assembly to achieve rapid focus adjustment. By controlling the timing and duration of current pulses, the system can quickly transition between focus states, improving response rate while maintaining simplicity through controlled intermittent actuation
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional variable focus lens implementations are used, then focusing capability is provided, but sensitivity to vibrations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces vibration-sensitive mechanical focusing components with an electromagnetic system. The coil assembly and magnet assembly generate focusing force through magnetic field interaction rather than mechanical contact, reducing sensitivity to vibrations. The electromagnetic actuation provides more stable and vibration-resistant focus control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic field interaction as an intermediary between the actuation system and the optical member. The coil assembly generates a magnetic field that interacts with the magnet assembly, providing a non-contact force transmission mechanism that isolates the optical system from mechanical vibrations and improves vibration resistance
4Use of energy by moving object
If conventional variable focus lens implementations are used, then focus adjustment is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic or pulsed current through the coil assembly rather than continuous power supply. By applying electrical current only when focus adjustment is needed and controlling the pulse duration, the system achieves fast focusing when required while minimizing overall power consumption during steady-state operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the electromagnetic system parameters, including coil winding configuration, magnet strength, and current control, to achieve efficient power utilization. The system adjusts electrical current parameters dynamically, using higher current for rapid focus transitions and lower or zero current for maintaining focus position, balancing power consumption with focusing speed requirements
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 provides reliable, compact, low-power, and high-speed focusing capabilities, enabling effective image capture over a wider range without frequent maintenance, suitable for mobile imaging applications.
Implementation Method 1
a wired coil board configured to produce a magnetic flux upon energization
Implementation Method 2
the optical member further comprises at least one permanent magnet on at least a portion of the optical member such that at all movement positions of the optical member, the at least one permanent magnet is in interactable proximity of the magnetic flux produced by the wired coil board
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments described herein provide a variable focus lens assembly. Some embodiments are designed to enable repositioning of one or more components, such as a lens barrel assembly, to adjust the focus of the variable focus lens assembly. Some example variable focus lens assemblies include a module base housing a lens barrel assembly having a pair of positioning magnets, a pair of positioning coil assemblies associated with the positioning magnets, and at least one pair of bearing balls movably supporting the lens barrel assembly. The positioning coil assemblies together with the positioning magnets are configured to exert various magnetic fields to reposition the lens barrel assembly. Further embodiments are provided for imaging apparatus including at least one variable focus lens assembly described herein.