Overlapping Aperture and Detection Units for Compact Optical Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light amount adjustment apparatuses in optical systems are bulky due to the non-overlapping configuration of the aperture, driving, and detection units, leading to increased size in the radial direction.
Innovation Solution
The light amount adjustment apparatus is designed with overlapping components, where the detection target member is engaged with the driving shaft, allowing the aperture, driving, and detection units to share space along the central axis, reducing the overall radial diameter by optimizing the placement and integration of the diaphragm blade containing unit, stepping motor, and rotation detection unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the aperture unit, driving unit, and detection unit are arranged in a non-overlapping configuration, then each component can be properly positioned and function, but the radial size of the optical apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar arrangement to a three-dimensional overlapping configuration where the aperture unit, driving unit, and detection unit are positioned at different axial positions along the optical axis. This allows radial space to be reduced while maintaining functional separation through axial positioning, effectively using the third dimension (optical axis direction) to resolve the spatial conflict between components.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection unit is positioned within the radial space occupied by the driving unit, with the detection target member rotating together with the driving shaft. The detection sensor is arranged to detect the detection target member while being contained within the overall footprint of the driving unit, creating a nested configuration that reduces the overall radial envelope.
2Volume of moving object
If the detection unit is made smaller to fit within the driving unit space, then radial size is reduced, but detection precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The detection target member is pre-configured on the driving shaft with specific detection features (such as teeth or markers) that are optimally positioned to be detected by the detection sensor. This preliminary arrangement ensures that even with a compact detection unit, the detection precision is maintained through careful design of the detection target's geometry and positioning relative to the sensor.
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 more compact optical apparatus by efficiently utilizing space, reducing the radial size of the light amount adjustment apparatus and the overall optical system, while maintaining effective light adjustment capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a detection unit including a detection target member and a detection sensor, and configured to detect a driving amount of the driving unit by detecting a driving amount of the detection target member with use of the detection sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A light amount adjustment apparatus includes an aperture unit including a plurality of blade members and a movable member, the movable member for changing a size of an aperture formed by the plurality of blade members, a driving unit including a driving shaft and configured to drive the movable member, and a detection unit including a detection target member and a detection sensor, and configured to detect a driving amount of the driving unit by detecting a driving amount of the detection target member with use of the detection sensor, wherein the aperture unit, the driving unit, and the detection unit overlap one another, as viewed in a direction along a central axis of the aperture, wherein the detection target member is engaged with the driving shaft, and wherein an outer diameter of the detection unit is smaller than an outer diameter of the driving unit.