Camera Filter Device Magnetic Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera filter systems are cumbersome, prone to contamination, and inefficient in terms of space usage and flexibility, as separate filters require handling and can cause optical quality issues due to thickness and light reflections.
Innovation Solution
A compact filter device with a magnetically coupled holding device that allows linear displacement of filter elements into and out of the optical path, reducing mechanical abrasion and contamination risks, and enabling flexible filter selection with a common holding device for multiple elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate filters are used as accessories, then filter flexibility is improved, but device complexity and risk of loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple filter elements into a single rotary disk assembly that rotates within the camera body. This merging approach allows multiple filters to be combined in one compact unit, providing filter flexibility while reducing device complexity and eliminating the need to handle separate filter accessories.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary disk is designed to hold multiple different filter elements (e.g., ND filters, polarizing filters, color filters) in a single interchangeable unit. This multi-functional design allows the user to switch between different filter types by rotating the disk, providing universal filter functionality without requiring multiple separate filter accessories.
2Reliability
If filters are arranged at the objective inlet, then filter effectiveness is improved, but filter surface area requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter elements are nested within the camera body's optical path, with multiple filters arranged in a compact rotary disk configuration. This nesting approach allows the filters to be positioned at the effective location (near the objective) while containing them within a small footprint, reducing the required filter surface area while maintaining filter effectiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical actuation devices are used, then filter selection capability is improved, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuation mechanisms (such as gears, belts, or linkages) with a magnetic coupling system. The holding device uses magnetic fields to couple with and rotate the filter disk, eliminating mechanical contact points that could generate abrasion and contamination. This substitution maintains filter selection capability while significantly reducing contamination risk.
4Adaptability or versatility
If rotary disk filter devices are used, then filter selection flexibility is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges multiple filter elements in a radial pattern on the rotary disk, utilizing the radial dimension to pack more filters into a smaller overall volume. This dimensional arrangement allows filter selection flexibility while minimizing the space occupied by the filter device within the camera body.
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 provides a compact, efficient, and flexible filter system that prevents contamination and optimizes space usage, allowing precise control over filter placement and reducing the risk of optical errors, thereby enhancing camera functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the actuation device has a holding device which can be magnetically coupled to the filter element
Data Source
AI summary
A filter device for a camera which has an optical path, comprises at least one filter unit which has an actuation device and at least one first filter element and one second filter element. The actuation device has a holding device which can be magnetically coupled to the first and to the second filter element and which can be displaced linearly to bring the filter elements selectively into the optical path of the camera or to move them out of the optical path of the camera.