Camera Adapter Axial Coupling Eliminates Rattling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Interchangeable lens type image pickup apparatuses experience increased rattling when using an adapter apparatus between the camera body and camera accessory due to the need for bayonet coupling at two locations, which existing technologies do not effectively address.

Innovation Solution

An adapter apparatus with a first cylinder and a second cylinder that are axially movable, featuring claw portions for engagement with the camera body and accessory, allowing for secure coupling without rattling through a screw-type mount mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an adapter apparatus is interposed between the camera body and camera accessory, then compatibility and functional extension are improved, but rattling increases due to multiple bayonet coupling locations

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidrattling

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a screw-type mount mechanism as an intermediary coupling method between the camera body and camera accessory, replacing the traditional bayonet coupling. This screw-type mount provides more stable connection with fewer rattling sounds while maintaining the adaptability function of the adapter apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the coupling functions by implementing a unified screw-type mount mechanism that integrates both coupling locations into a single stable connection system, rather than using separate bayonet couplings at each interface. This reduces the cumulative rattling effect while maintaining compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If bayonet coupling is used at two locations, then ease of attachment is improved, but rattling and instability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of attachmentVSAvoidstability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the bayonet coupling mechanical system with a screw-type mount mechanism. The screw-type mount provides superior stability and reduces rattling while maintaining ease of attachment through rotational engagement, effectively substituting the problematic mechanical coupling method.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple bayonet coupling locations are used, then adaptability is improved, but the number of precision components and potential error sources increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional extensionVSAvoidnumber of coupling locations

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal screw-type mount mechanism that serves multiple coupling locations with a single standardized interface design. This multi-functional approach maintains adaptability and functional extension while reducing the variety and complexity of different coupling mechanisms required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11262643B2Adapter apparatus and image pickup apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.03.01 CANON KK

AI summary

A mount adapter couples a camera body and an interchangeable lens without rattling. The mount adapter includes a fixed cylinder and a movable cylinder that engages with the fixed cylinder and is movable in an optical axis direction with respect to the fixed cylinder. The fixed cylinder has a first mount surface that comes into contact with the camera body and a second mount surface that comes into contact with the interchangeable lens. The movable cylinder has first mount claw portions that engage with mount claw portions of the camera body and second mount claw portions that engage with mount claw portions of the interchangeable lens.