Aperture Blade Drive Ring Layout for Compact Lens Barrels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional light shielding units for cameras require three annular members, increasing size and part count, leading to higher costs.

Innovation Solution

A light shielding unit with a first frame body, a second frame body that rotates relative to the first, a drive source, and rotational drive transmission units, reducing the number of parts and size in the optical axis direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If three annular members (first frame body, second frame body, third frame body) are used to drive movable blades, then the light shielding unit can open and close the blades, but the size in the optical axis direction increases and the number of parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblade opening and closing functionVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the first frame body and third frame body into a single integrated structure. The first frame body is configured with both a first main body part and a second main body part that together form the complete frame structure, eliminating the need for separate first and third frame bodies while maintaining the blade driving function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The first frame body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, holds the drive source, and forms part of the blade assembly structure. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of components needed in the light shielding unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If three annular members (first frame body, second frame body, third frame body) are used to drive movable blades, then the light shielding unit can open and close the blades, but the size in the optical axis direction increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblade opening and closing functionVSAvoidsize in optical axis direction
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the first and third frame bodies into a single structure, the patent reduces the cumulative thickness that would result from stacking three separate annular members. This merging eliminates redundant structural elements in the optical axis direction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The second frame body is positioned between the first frame body and the movable blades, with the drive source housed within the first frame body. This nested arrangement optimizes the spatial distribution of components, reducing the overall size in the optical axis direction while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If three annular members (first frame body, second frame body, third frame body) are used to drive movable blades, then the light shielding unit can open and close the blades, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblade opening and closing functionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces the number of parts that require manufacturing, assembly, and quality control. By integrating the first and third frame bodies, fewer components need to be produced and assembled, directly reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The first frame body performs multiple functions, reducing the total component count and thereby reducing the cumulative manufacturing cost associated with producing and assembling multiple separate annular members.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 minimizes size increase and part count, thereby reducing costs while maintaining functionality.

Implementation Method 1

The one or more rotational drive transmission units transmit the rotation or the rotational drive force transmitted from the drive source to the rotation connection portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational drive transmission: Gear

Data Source

PatentUS20250377489A1Light shielding unit and lens barrel equipped with same
Publication Date: 2025.12.11 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • US20250377489A1 patent drawing
  • US20250377489A1 patent drawing
  • US20250377489A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The aperture unit 20 comprises a base plate 21, a drive ring 22, a plurality of aperture blades 23, a drive motor 24, and a drive gear 24a. The plurality of aperture blades 23 are disposed between the base plate 21 and the drive ring 22, and adjust the amount of light passing through by changing the size of an opening 23b through which passes the light passing through an opening 21b. The drive motor 24 rotationally drives the drive ring 22 around the optical axis. The drive ring 22 is engaged in a state of being rotatable around the optical axis relative to the base plate 21 and being substantially immobile in the optical axis direction, further to the outside in the radial direction centered on the optical axis than the plurality of aperture blades 23. When the drive ring 22 is rotated relative to the base plate 21 by the drive motor 24, the plurality of aperture blades 23 are driven open and closed in the gap between the base plate 21 and the drive ring 22.