Variable Focusing Lens With Dual-Coil Sensorless 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 and electromagnetic lens actuators with coil and magnetic elements to move a barrel lens assembly precisely based on drive current ratios, 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 and magnetic elements. The lens assembly position is controlled by electromagnetic forces generated by the coil elements, eliminating the need for separate position sensing mechanisms. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy through electromagnetic field control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 electromagnetic actuation system using dual coil elements provides direct control over lens assembly position without the need for mechanical position sensors. The electromagnetic fields can be adjusted rapidly to change lens position, achieving sub-millisecond response times that are faster than mechanical sensor-based systems while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If conventional focusing mechanisms are used, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to environmental factors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidlens position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical focusing mechanisms with an electromagnetic actuation system. The dual coil elements generate electromagnetic fields that directly control the position of magnetic elements attached to the lens assembly. This electromagnetic control is insensitive to environmental factors such as temperature changes, gravity, and friction that affect mechanical systems, thereby maintaining high positioning accuracy without requiring complex compensation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system controls lens assembly position by changing the electrical current parameters supplied to the dual coil elements. By adjusting the current magnitude and direction in each coil element, the electromagnetic forces are modified to achieve precise positioning. This parameter-based control (electrical current) is more stable and predictable than mechanical force control, reducing the impact of environmental variations on positioning accuracy.

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 and fast response times, minimizing the impact of environmental factors and eliminating the need for position sensors, making it suitable for industrial imaging applications.

Implementation Method 1

a first coil element and a second coil element positioned at opposite sides of the optical axis... a first magnetic element and a second magnetic element... 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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS20240427127A1Variable focusing lens apparatus

Publication Date: 2024.12.26 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.