Nested Camera Dial Layout for Compact Multi-Ring Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing imaging apparatuses face challenges in maintaining a compact size while incorporating multiple rotating members for functional operations.

Innovation Solution

A dial device with a three-stage rotating member configuration, where at least two members are disposed in an opening portion of the housing, and a click mechanism with an elastic member and sphere provides tactile feedback, reducing the overall size and enhancing operational ease.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple rotating members are incorporated for functional operations, then operational versatility is improved, but apparatus size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational versatilityVSAvoidapparatus size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested configuration where the third rotating member is positioned inside the second rotating member, and both are arranged along a common first axis within an opening portion of the housing. This nesting approach allows multiple rotating members to share the same spatial footprint, providing diverse operational functions while maintaining a compact apparatus size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the radial dimension by arranging rotating members concentrically along a first axis within the opening portion. By transitioning from a linear arrangement to a radial/nested arrangement, multiple rotating members can coexist in a limited space without significantly increasing the apparatus volume, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If a click mechanism with elastic member and sphere is added for tactile feedback, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetactile feedbackVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The click mechanism utilizes the elastic member's inherent elasticity to automatically provide tactile feedback during rotation operations. The elastic member and sphere work together in a self-regulating manner, where the elastic deformation and recovery of the elastic member naturally generates the click sensation without requiring external control systems or complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If multiple holder members are used to support rotating members, then structural stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the support structure into multiple separate holder members (first holder member, second holder member, third holder member), each responsible for supporting specific rotating members. This segmentation allows each holder member to be manufactured independently using standard fastening methods, and then assembled together, thereby maintaining structural stability while facilitating easier manufacturing and assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration effectively suppresses the increase in size of the imaging apparatus, allowing for easy operation and reduced complexity without compromising functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a click mechanism that imparts a tactile click to a rotation operation of the second rotating member... the click mechanism includes an elastic member and a sphere

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20260036882A1Dial device and imaging apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.02.05 FUJIFILM CORP
  • US20260036882A1 patent drawing
  • US20260036882A1 patent drawing
  • US20260036882A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A dial device of an imaging apparatus, includes: a first rotating member, a second rotating member, and a third rotating member that are arranged along a first axis, and at least the second rotating member and the third rotating member are disposed in an opening portion provided in a housing of the imaging apparatus.