Zoom Optical System with Segmented Lens Groups

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current automated luminaires lack a robust and precise zoom optical system that can efficiently control the beam angle and focus of light beams, limiting their versatility in applications requiring adjustable light patterns and intensities.

Innovation Solution

A zoom optical system comprising a moveable compensator lens group with positive optical power, a moveable variator lens group with negative optical power, and a fixed objective lens group, which work together to adjust the focal length and beam angle of the light beam, allowing independent movement of the compensator and variator groups along the optical axis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a zoom optical system is added to control beam angle and focus, then the luminaire's versatility and performance are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam angle controlVSAvoidoptical system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical system is divided into three distinct lens groups (compensator, variator, and objective) that can move independently along the optical axis. This segmentation allows each group to perform specific functions (focus adjustment, zoom control, and image projection) while maintaining overall system versatility without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The compensator and variator lens groups are designed to be movable along the optical axis, enabling dynamic adjustment of beam angle and focus. This dynamic capability provides adaptability for different lighting requirements while using a relatively compact fixed objective group

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If the compensator and variator lens groups move independently, then the zoom precision and focus control are improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefocus controlVSAvoidlens group positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The compensator lens group acts as an intermediary between the variator group and the objective group. It compensates for focus changes caused by variator movement, thereby decoupling the precision requirements. This allows independent movement of the variator for zoom control while the compensator maintains focus, reducing the overall manufacturing precision burden

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes optical parameters (focal length, beam angle) by moving lens groups along the optical axis rather than requiring high-precision lateral positioning. This longitudinal movement is easier to manufacture and control, reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining good focus control through the compensator mechanism

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

Enables precise control over the beam angle and focus, providing a zoom ratio of 14:1, enhancing the luminaire's ability to adapt to various lighting requirements and improving its performance in directional lighting applications.

Implementation Method 1

The compensator lens group is optically coupled to the object, has a first positive optical power, and is configured to move relative to the object plane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

The variator lens group is optically coupled to the compensator lens group, has a negative optical power, and is configured to move relative to the object plane and the compensator group

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 3

The objective lens group is optically coupled to the variator lens group, has a second positive optical power, and is configured to remain in a fixed position relative to the object plane and to project an image of the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP3450837B1Zoom optical system
Publication Date: 2020.01.29 ROBE LIGHTING SRO
  • EP3450837B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3450837B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3450837B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A zoom optical system and automated luminaire are provided. The zoom optical system includes a light source, a compensator lens group, a variator lens group, and an objective lens group. The light source illuminates an object located in an object plane. The compensator lens group is optically coupled to the object, has a first positive optical power, and moves relative to the object plane. The variator lens group is optically coupled to the compensator lens group, has a negative optical power, and moves relative to the object plane and the compensator group. The objective lens group is optically coupled to the variator lens group, has a second positive optical power, remains in a fixed position relative to the object plane, and projects an image of the object.