Back Focus Adjusting Module with Multifunctional Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surveillance cameras require a mechanism to adjust the distance between the image capturing unit and the object lens to enhance image sharpness and contrast, while also needing a robust and low-maintenance design with minimal parts to prevent mechanical failures and optimize space.
Innovation Solution
A back focus adjusting module with a supporting structure, linear actuator, gear mechanism, and spring component that converts rotational motor movement into linear motion, allowing the image capturing unit to adjust its position relative to the object lens, and includes a slider with optical filters that can be positioned in the optical path using a sliding mechanism, where the spring component serves multiple functions including biasing, guiding, locking, and positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a back focus adjusting mechanism with multiple separate components is used, then the image quality can be adjusted, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring component combines multiple functions (biasing, guiding, locking) into a single integrated element, reducing the number of separate parts while maintaining the back focus adjustment capability and image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The spring component is designed as a multifunctional element that simultaneously provides biasing force, guides the slider movement, and locks the optical filter in position, eliminating the need for separate components for each function
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for back focus adjustment, then the adjustment function is achieved, but the camera becomes more prone to mechanical failures and requires more maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the biasing, guiding, and locking functions into a single spring component, the patent reduces the number of mechanical interfaces and potential failure points, thereby improving reliability and reducing maintenance requirements
3Manufacturing precision
If a traditional multi-component back focus mechanism is used, then the focus adjustment is achieved, but the space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of multiple functions into a single spring component reduces the overall volume required for the back focus adjustment mechanism, allowing for more compact camera design while maintaining focus adjustment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The spring component is designed to nest within the existing camera structure, utilizing available space efficiently while providing the necessary back focus adjustment range for image sharpness
4Measurement precision
If separate guiding and locking components are used, then the slider positioning is accurate, but the device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring component integrates guiding surfaces and locking features into a single element, providing accurate slider positioning while simplifying assembly to a single installation step rather than multiple separate component assemblies
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 improves image quality by adjusting the focus, reduces the number of parts for enhanced robustness, simplifies assembly, and reduces space requirements by utilizing a multifunctional spring component that provides biasing, guiding, and locking functions, thereby enhancing the camera's reliability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a spring component (25) for biasing the component carrier (7) in an direction opposite to the linear direction
Implementation Method 2
a gear mechanism which converts a rotational movement of the motor into a linear motion and displaces the component carrier (7) in a linear direction
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a Back focus adjusting module (3) for a camera comprising a supporting structure (6), a linear actuator (11) with a motor (10), a gear mechanism (8) and a component carrier (7), whereby the gear mechanism (8) converts a rotational movement of the motor (10) into a linear motion and displaces the component carrier in a linear direction (9), a spring component (2) for biasing the component carrier (7) in a direction opposite to the linear direction (9), a slider (30) with at least one optical filter (31a, b), whereby the slider (30) can be (1) slid in a guiding slot (32) of the back focus adjusting module (3) between at least two sliding positions in a sliding direction (33), whereby the spring component (2) provides a guiding surface (34a, b, c) of the guiding slot (32) for the slider (30).