Cam Ring Lens Barrel Biasing to Reduce Zoom Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical apparatuses face challenges in suppressing self-running torque and zoom torque increases due to cam follower backlash and biasing forces, leading to potential optical performance deterioration and increased mechanical complexity.
Innovation Solution
A configuration with biased lens barrels and cam followers engaging with cam grooves, utilizing tension coil springs to minimize backlash and reduce self-running torque, while maintaining compact size and optical performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If cam followers are engaged with cam grooves to enable lens barrel movement, then optical element positioning is achieved, but self-running torque and zoom torque increase due to backlash
Solution Approach 1:
The lens barrel system is divided into multiple independent lens barrels (first, second, third lens barrels) each with its own cam follower, allowing individual biasing and positioning control. This segmentation enables precise positioning of each optical element while managing torque requirements separately for each moving component.
Solution Approach 2:
Biasing members (springs) are pre-installed between lens barrels to apply continuous biasing forces before operation. This preliminary action eliminates backlash in the cam follower-cam groove engagement, ensuring precise positioning without requiring additional torque to overcome gaps or clearances during movement.
2Measurement precision
If biasing members are added to minimize backlash, then positioning precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the biasing members: they simultaneously provide backlash elimination, lens barrel positioning support, and torque reduction. This combining of functions achieves precise positioning without proportionally increasing device complexity, as a single component performs multiple critical roles.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing members are designed to automatically maintain optimal engagement between cam followers and cam grooves through continuous biasing forces. The system self-regulates the positioning precision without requiring external control mechanisms or complex adjustment systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high precision.
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 effectively suppresses self-running torque and zoom torque, enhancing optical performance and mechanical efficiency by minimizing backlash and maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second holding members are biased against each other, and the third holding member and the cover member are biased against each other
Implementation Method 2
utilizing tension coil springs to minimize backlash and reduce self-running torque
Implementation Method 3
a cam ring comprising a plurality of cam grooves; wherein each of the first to third holding members and the cover member includes a cam follower that engages with one of the plurality of the cam grooves; wherein the first to third holding members and the cover member are configured to move in an optical axis direction by rotation of the cam ring around an optical axis
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an optical apparatus comprising: a first, a second and a third holding member each holding an optical element; a cover member; and a cam ring comprising a plurality of cam grooves; wherein each of the first to third holding members and the cover member includes a cam follower that engages with one of the plurality of the cam grooves; wherein the first to third holding members and the cover member are configured to move in an optical axis direction by rotation of the cam ring around an optical axis; and wherein the first and second holding members are biased against each other, and the third holding member and the cover member are biased against each other.