Variable Focus Lens Control Using Dual-Coil Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Focusing lens assemblies lack mechanisms to determine the exact position of the lens, leading to inaccuracies due to component aging, temperature changes, gravity, and friction, and existing solutions with position sensors are costly and provide limited response time.

Innovation Solution

A variable focusing lens apparatus using double coil elements with electromagnetic actuators, where the lens position is precisely controlled by the current differential ratio of the coil elements, eliminating the need for position sensors and reducing response time to sub-millisecond.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If position sensors are used to determine lens position, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens position determination accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical position sensors with an electromagnetic actuation system using dual coil elements. The lens position is determined by the ratio of currents applied to the front and rear coil elements, eliminating the need for physical sensors and reducing system complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the electromagnetic actuation mechanism itself to provide position information through the current ratio relationship. The dual coil elements inherently provide position determination capability through their electromagnetic interaction, making external position sensors unnecessary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If position sensors are used to determine lens position, then positioning accuracy is improved, but response time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens position determination accuracyVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces sensor-based position detection with direct electromagnetic control. The lens position is controlled by adjusting the current ratio to the dual coil elements, providing instantaneous response without the delays associated with sensor reading and processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-establishes the relationship between current ratios and lens positions through the electromagnetic actuation mechanism. This allows direct translation of control signals to lens position without intermediate measurement steps, reducing response time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If spring mechanisms are used to return lens to neutral position, then lens positioning is achieved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens return mechanismVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical spring mechanisms with an electromagnetic actuation system. The dual coil elements use electromagnetic forces to position and hold the lens, eliminating the need for springs and associated power consumption while maintaining the ability to return to neutral position through zero current application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the control parameter from mechanical spring force to electromagnetic current ratio. By varying the current applied to the coil elements, the lens position is controlled without mechanical springs, reducing power consumption while maintaining positioning capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 highly reliable positioning accuracy with fast response times, minimizing the impact of aging and environmental factors, and reduces power consumption by eliminating spring mechanisms, enabling precise focusing in applications like barcode scanning.

Implementation Method 1

a rear pair of coil elements powered by a rear coil current; a front pair of coil elements positioned in front of the rear pair of coil elements and powered by a front coil current

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS12117598B2Variable focusing lens apparatus

Publication Date: 2024.10.15 HAND HELD PRODS INC

AI summary

An example variable focusing lens apparatus, as well as example methods for assembling and operating the example variable focusing lens apparatus, is provided. The example variable focusing lens apparatus includes a rear pair of coil elements powered by a rear coil current, a front pair of coil elements positioned in front of the rear pair of coil elements and powered by a front coil current, and a barrel lens assembly comprising a top magnetic element secured on a top portion of the barrel lens assembly and a bottom magnetic element secured on a bottom portion of the barrel lens assembly. In some examples, the barrel lens assembly is moveable to a plurality of barrel lens assembly positions corresponding to a plurality of current differential ratios associated with the rear coil current and the front coil current.