Zoom Lens Design with Segmented Moving Groups
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing zoom lenses face challenges in achieving a wide angle of view, high zoom ratio, small size, and high optical performance due to the large size of the first lens unit and significant moving amounts of lens units, which lead to increased size and weight, as well as issues with chromatic aberration and aberrations at the telephoto end.
Innovation Solution
A zoom lens configuration that includes a fixed first lens unit with positive refractive power, an intermediate group with three or more moving lens units, and a fixed rear lens unit with positive refractive power, where the intermediate group consists of a first negative lens unit, a positive lens unit, and a second negative lens unit, with specific focal length and lateral magnification inequalities to optimize the zoom lens design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the first lens unit and second lens unit are made larger and move more to achieve wide angle of view and high zoom ratio, then the zoom ratio and angle of view are improved, but the size and weight of the lens increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lens system into multiple groups (first lens unit, second lens unit, third lens unit, fourth lens unit) with different refractive powers and movement characteristics. The second lens unit (negative refractive power) and fourth lens unit (positive refractive power) move independently during zooming, allowing the zoom ratio to be increased without requiring all lens units to be large and heavy. This segmentation enables optimized weight distribution while achieving high zoom ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the refractive power parameters of different lens units to optimize the zoom ratio. Specifically, the second lens unit has negative refractive power and the fourth lens unit has positive refractive power, creating a parameter configuration that achieves high zoom ratio with reduced lens size and weight. The invention also controls the movement amounts of different lens units based on their refractive powers to minimize overall lens weight while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the first lens unit and second lens unit are made larger and move more to achieve wide angle of view and high zoom ratio, then the zoom ratio and angle of view are improved, but the size of the lens increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lens into multiple independent moving groups, allowing the zoom ratio to be increased through coordinated movement of specific units (second and fourth lens units) rather than requiring the entire lens system to be large. This segmentation enables compact lens design while maintaining high zoom capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the spatial arrangement and movement dimensions of different lens units to achieve high zoom ratio. By controlling the movement of the second lens unit (negative refractive power) and fourth lens unit (positive refractive power) in different spatial dimensions and at different positions, the invention achieves high zoom ratio without increasing the overall lens size. The relative positioning and movement trajectories of these units create optical leverage that reduces the required lens dimensions.
3Device complexity
If a simple zoom lens structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but chromatic aberration and optical performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lens into multiple units with different refractive powers (positive and negative) to control chromatic aberration. The second lens unit (negative refractive power) and fourth lens unit (positive refractive power) work together to compensate for chromatic aberrations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. This segmentation allows for effective aberration correction without requiring complex multi-element constructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the refractive power parameters of different lens units to balance structural simplicity with optical performance. By carefully selecting the refractive powers of the second lens unit (negative) and fourth lens unit (positive), the invention achieves effective chromatic aberration correction and high optical quality across the zoom range without requiring excessive structural complexity. The parameter configuration allows for compact design while maintaining excellent optical characteristics.
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
This configuration results in a zoom lens with a reduced size and weight, a wide angle of view, high zoom ratio, and improved optical performance by controlling the focal lengths and lateral magnifications of the lens units, thereby minimizing aberrations and maintaining high optical quality across the zoom range.
Implementation Method 1
a first lens unit having positive refractive power, and a second lens unit having negative refractive power that moves for zooming
Data Source
AI summary
A zoom lens includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens unit having positive refractive power and fixed for zooming, an intermediate group including three or more lens units that move for zooming, a rear lens unit having positive refractive power and fixed for zooming. The intermediate group includes a first negative lens unit having negative refractive power as a whole and including a single lens unit or two or more partial lens units configured to monotonically move toward the image side during zooming from a wide-angle end to a telephoto end, a positive lens unit having positive refractive power, disposed closest to an image plane, and configured to move during zooming, and a second negative lens unit having negative refractive power, disposed on the object side of the positive lens, and configured to move during zooming. Predetermined inequalities are satisfied.