Brush-Like Lens Baffle for Stray Light Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera sun shields and baffles add volume and weight, and existing solutions outside the optical path may not effectively prevent stray light from entering, causing flare and image artifacts in portable electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A brush-like baffle is placed between the lens assembly and a transparent cover, comprising a support ring with closely spaced bristles that can be adjusted to surround the lens partially or fully, providing effective stray light shielding and alignment tolerance in compact devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional sun shields and baffles are used to shield the lens assembly from stray light, then stray light blocking is improved, but volume and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible baffle structure made of thin material that can be bent or deformed to conform to the lens assembly geometry. This flexible thin-film approach replaces rigid conventional sun shields, significantly reducing weight while maintaining effective stray light blocking through the flexible barrier that adapts to the lens surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The baffle is designed to be nested within or integrated with the existing lens assembly structure rather than being a separate protruding component. The baffle fits into the lens housing or attaches directly to the lens barrel, eliminating the need for additional external shielding structures that would increase volume and weight.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional sun shields and baffles are used to shield the lens assembly from stray light, then stray light blocking is improved, but volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The baffle is designed to be nested within or integrated with the existing lens assembly structure rather than being a separate protruding component. The baffle fits into the lens housing or attaches directly to the lens barrel, eliminating the need for additional external shielding structures that would increase volume and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible baffle structure made of thin material that can be bent or deformed to conform to the lens assembly geometry. This flexible thin-film approach replaces rigid conventional sun shields, significantly reducing volume while maintaining effective stray light blocking through the flexible barrier that adapts to the lens surface.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple baffles or vanes are placed outside the optical path to block stray light, then stray light blocking is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The baffle structure is segmented into discrete functional zones with different orientations and positions, each segment targeting specific stray light sources from different directions. This segmentation allows the complex stray light blocking function to be achieved through multiple simple, independent baffle elements rather than one complex structure, making the overall device simpler to manufacture and assemble.
Solution Approach 2:
The baffle incorporates adjustable or movable elements that can be positioned or oriented dynamically to adapt to different shooting conditions and stray light sources. This dynamic capability allows a single adjustable baffle structure to replace multiple fixed baffles, reducing device complexity while maintaining effective stray light blocking across various scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A lens assembly includes a brush-like baffle between the lens and a transparent cover. The baffle at least partially surrounds the lens to prevent stray light from entering and causing flare or other image artifacts. If the baffle does not entirely surround the lens structure, an adjustment mechanism may be provided to rotate the baffle so as to “tune” a flare reduction effect.