Compact Zoom Lens System with Lateral Free-Form Lens Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lens systems for imaging devices, particularly those with zoom capabilities, face challenges in achieving a compact form factor while maintaining optical performance, as increasing zoom requires extending the length of the lens system along the optical axis, which is difficult to accommodate in portable electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A lens system comprising a first lens group with oppositely rotated free-form lenses movable along the Y-axis and a second lens group of rotationally symmetrical lenses movable along the optical axis, allowing for focal length adjustment without changing the image plane position, thereby reducing the overall length of the lens system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the maximum focal length of the lens system is increased to provide zoom capability, then the zoom level is improved, but the length along the optical axis increases making it unsuitable for portable devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a novel degree of freedom by enabling lens elements to move perpendicular to the optical axis (in the Y-direction), rather than only along the optical axis. This dimensional change allows the first lens group to adjust focal length while the second lens group compensates axially to maintain image plane position, thereby achieving zoom without increasing the overall optical axis length of the lens system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic movement mechanisms where the first lens group (with free-form lenses) can shift position perpendicular to the optical axis, and the second lens group can move along the optical axis. This dynamic configuration allows continuous adjustment of focal length while maintaining a compact form factor, resolving the contradiction between zoom capability and compact size.
2Length of moving object
If the lens system length is reduced for compactness, then the form factor is improved, but the zoom capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing movement perpendicular to the optical axis for the first lens group, the patent decouples the relationship between focal length adjustment and optical axis length. This allows the lens system to maintain a short optical axis length while still achieving variable focal length through the combined action of perpendicular movement (focal length control) and axial movement (image plane compensation).
3Adaptability or versatility
If free-form lenses are used in the first lens group, then the refractive power adjustment is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lens system into two distinct groups: the first lens group containing free-form lenses responsible for refractive power adjustment, and the second lens group with rotationally symmetrical lenses responsible for image plane stabilization. This segmentation allows each group to be optimized independently, with the free-form lenses confined to a specific subsystem, thereby managing manufacturing complexity while achieving superior optical performance.
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 enables a significant reduction in the length and form factor of the zoom lens while maintaining the image plane in a fixed position, enhancing the compactness of imaging devices without compromising optical performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first lens of the pair of lenses of the first lens group is configured to be moveable along a Y-axis of the lens system perpendicular to the optical axis Z of the lens system
Implementation Method 2
a second lens of the pair of lenses of the first lens group is configured to be moveable in an opposite direction to the first lens of the pair of lenses along the Y-axis, in accordance with the movement of the first lens of the pair of lenses, to change a refractive power of the lens system
Implementation Method 3
the second lens group is configured to be moveable along the optical axis Z of the lens system in accordance with the movement of the pair of lenses along the Y-axis to maintain an image position of the lens system
Data Source
AI summary
A lens system for an imaging device is provided, the lens system comprising: a first lens group, having a fixed position along an optical axis Z of the lens system, the first lens group comprising a pair of lenses, each of the pair of lenses having at least one lens surface that is a free-form surface, and a second lens group, arranged along the optical axis Z of the lens system, comprising a plurality of rotationally symmetrical lenses; wherein a first lens of the pair of lenses of the first lens group is configured to be moveable along a Y-axis of the lens system perpendicular to the optical axis Z of the lens system, and a second lens of the pair of lenses of the first lens group is configured to be moveable in an opposite direction to the first lens of the pair of lenses along the Y-axis.