Zoom Lens Layout With Convex Lens Motion for Wide Zoom Range

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing zoom lenses face challenges in achieving a wide angle of view, high zoom ratio, reduced size, and weight while maintaining high optical performance, as they often compromise on one or more of these factors due to limitations in lens design and movement.

Innovation Solution

A zoom lens design that includes a first stationary lens unit with positive refractive power, an intermediate group with multiple moving lens units, and a rear stationary lens unit, where the intermediate group comprises a first intermediate negative lens unit moving monotonically toward the image side, a second intermediate negative lens unit moving non-monotonically toward the object side, and an intermediate positive lens unit moving in a convex trajectory, all while adhering to specific focal length and refractive power inequalities to optimize performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a zoom lens is designed with a wide angle of view and high zoom ratio, then the lens coverage and magnification range are improved, but the lens diameter and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangle of view and zoom ratioVSAvoidlens weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The zoom lens is divided into multiple lens units with different functions: a first lens unit with positive refractive power that remains stationary, an intermediate group with three or more lens units that move for zooming, and a rear lens unit with positive refractive power that remains stationary. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized independently, achieving wide angle of view and high zoom ratio while controlling overall weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate group includes lens units that move during zooming, with at least one negative lens unit moving in a convex locus toward the object side. This dynamic movement configuration enables high zoom ratio and wide angle of view while using smaller, lighter lens elements compared to traditional designs where all units must be large and stationary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If more lens units are added to achieve high zoom ratio and wide angle of view, then the optical performance is improved, but the lens complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical performanceVSAvoidlens structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lens is segmented into functional groups: stationary positive power units at the ends provide structural stability and simplified mounting, while the intermediate moving group handles zooming. This segmentation maintains optical performance through proper division of labor while reducing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate group of lens units serves multiple functions simultaneously: at least one negative lens unit corrects aberrations while moving in a convex locus, other lens units contribute to zooming, and the configuration maintains wide angle of view. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, simplifying the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If lens units move in complex trajectories to correct aberrations, then optical performance is improved, but the mechanism complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical performanceVSAvoidlens assembly weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

At least one negative lens unit in the intermediate group moves in a convex locus toward the object side during zooming, providing effective aberration correction. This targeted dynamic movement in a specific trajectory pattern achieves optical performance improvements using lighter lens elements and simpler mechanisms compared to complex multi-directional movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The convex locus movement is applied specifically to negative lens units that benefit most from this trajectory for aberration correction, rather than moving all lens units in complex patterns. This localized application of dynamic movement optimizes optical performance while minimizing the weight and complexity of the driving mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 design achieves a balance of wide angle, high zoom ratio, reduced size, and weight, with improved optical performance by controlling lens movements and refractive powers, minimizing aberrations and lens diameter, and ensuring efficient use of space.