Auto Focus Module Anti-Jamming Gear and Nut Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional auto focus lens modules can jam due to malfunctions or unstable conditions of lens position sensors and controllers, causing the lens to become stuck and preventing proper focusing.
Innovation Solution
The auto focus module incorporates a gear and nut design with extensions that allow for lateral contact along tangent directions of rotation, altering the contact force direction to prevent jamming by converting axial force into tangential force, enabling the lens frame to move freely and avoid snapping between screw threads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lens continues moving over the predetermined stop position due to malfunction or sensor failure, then the lens moves beyond the intended range, but the lens becomes jammed and cannot be released even by reverse driving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by providing a release mechanism that preemptively counteracts the jamming force. The release button and associated structure are designed to apply a releasing force that opposes the jamming force before the lens becomes permanently stuck, allowing the lens to be pulled back to the stop position even after over-travel due to malfunction or sensor failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary mechanism consisting of the release button, release groove, and release protrusion that mediates between the lens assembly and the housing. This intermediary structure transfers the user's releasing force to the lens, enabling it to overcome the jamming condition without requiring disassembly or complex tools.
2Ease of operation
If the lens moves along the lens axis during auto focus action, then focusing is achieved, but the lens may become stuck due to snapping between screw threads of components
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism acts as an intermediary between the lens frame and the housing, providing a controlled path for the lens to move. The release groove guides the protrusion during the releasing motion, ensuring smooth movement and preventing the lens frame from getting stuck due to thread snapping or misalignment during focus adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic elements including the movable release button and the sliding interaction between the release groove and protrusion. These dynamic features allow the lens assembly to transition from a jammed state to a free-moving state, maintaining ease of operation during both normal focusing and malfunction recovery.
3Reliability
If the gear and nut have extensions that contact laterally along tangent directions, then the contact force direction is altered to prevent jamming, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding extensions only to specific locations on the gear and nut where lateral contact is needed. The extensions are positioned to contact along tangent directions at critical points, providing anti-jamming capability exactly where required without complicating the entire gear and nut structure. This localized approach maintains simplicity while achieving the reliability goal.
Data Source
AI summary
An auto focus module of an image capture device is provided. The auto focus module comprises at least one gear, a nut, a lead screw and a driver. The gear has at least one first extension and a first through hole. The nut has at least one second extension and a second through hole. The lead screw penetrates the first through hole and the second through hole. The driver drives the lead screw and the gear so that the lead screw and the gear move relatively along the axis of the lead screw. The nut and the gear terminate approaching toward each other after the first extension and the second extension lean against each other.