Variable Focus Lens Biasing Mechanism for Compact Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable scanning devices require smaller sensors with active alignment to achieve a wide field of view while generating sharp images for machine vision applications, posing challenges in maintaining reliable contact and preventing damage to optical elements.
Innovation Solution
An optical assembly comprising a first lens holder with a collar and a second lens holder coupled together, featuring a biasing element that applies a threshold force to a variable focus optical element, ensuring reliable contact and preventing shock damage, along with a flexible cable for power and control, and an aperture for image correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a wide field of view is achieved using smaller sensors with active alignment, then the device size is reduced and portability is improved, but maintaining reliable contact and preventing damage to optical elements becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A biasing element (spring) is pre-installed between the sensor assembly and variable focus optical element to apply continuous threshold force. This beforehand cushioning ensures reliable contact and prevents damage during operation, directly addressing the reliability concern when using smaller, more compact components
2Volume of moving object
If a wide field of view is achieved using smaller sensors with active alignment, then the device size is reduced and portability is improved, but shock damage to optical elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing element applies a pre-compressed threshold force to the variable focus optical element, creating a cushioning effect that absorbs and mitigates shock impacts. This beforehand cushioning protects the optical element from damage during portable device operation
3Measurement precision
If active alignment is implemented for smaller sensors, then imaging precision is improved, but the complexity of the optical assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing element automatically maintains the variable focus optical element in contact with the sensor assembly, enabling self-alignment and self-adjustment. This eliminates the need for complex external alignment mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining imaging precision
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 optical assembly maintains reliable contact between optical elements, prevents damage, and ensures sharp imaging over a wide field of view, enhancing the performance of portable scanning devices in machine vision applications.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element disposed within the chamber of the second lens holder and configured to apply a threshold force to the variable focus optical element
Data Source
AI summary
Optical arrangements for small size wide angle auto focus imaging lens for high resolution sensors are disclosed herein. An example optical assembly includes a first lens holder, a second lens holder, a first lens group, a biasing element, and a variable focus optical element. The first lens holder includes a collar having an internal flange forming a spring seat and the first lens group is disposed within the first lens holder. The second lens holder includes a collar defining a chamber and is coupled to the collar of the first lens holder. The variable focus optical element is disposed within the chamber of the second lens holder and the biasing element is disposed within the chamber of the second lens holder between the spring seat and the variable focus optical element and configured to apply a threshold force to the variable focus optical element.