Camera Filter Tray Actuator Mechanism for Glove Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing filter tray designs for camera lenses are cumbersome to use, especially in inhospitable environments, due to the small size of the actuator knob which makes it difficult to overcome the spring bias when mounting or dismounting filters, particularly when wearing gloves or in cold conditions.
Innovation Solution
A filter tray design that minimizes thickness by using two actuators that can be pinched to pivot, providing mechanical advantage and a cam mechanism to easily release the moveable wedge, allowing for convenient filter insertion and removal through a button-like operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the actuator knob is made small to minimize tray thickness, then the tray thickness is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates because it becomes difficult to grip and overcome spring bias
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed to press against the movable wedge from above (vertical dimension) rather than requiring lateral gripping motion. This dimensional change allows the actuator to be small in the tray thickness direction while still providing effective operation through downward pressing motion, resolving the contradiction between compactness and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of pulling the actuator outward against spring bias (conventional approach), the design inverts the operation by pressing the actuator downward to release the wedge. This inversion allows the spring to assist rather than resist the operation, making it easier to change filters even with a small actuator
2Reliability
If the spring bias is increased to secure filter retention, then the reliability of filter retention is improved, but the ease of operation worsens because more force is required to overcome the bias
Solution Approach 1:
The operation sequence is inverted so that pressing the actuator downward releases the filter rather than requiring forceful extraction. The spring bias that secures retention during normal operation becomes an assistant during filter changes, automatically pushing the wedge away when the actuator is pressed, thus maintaining both strong retention and easy operation
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism serves dual purposes: it provides secure retention during filming and automatically assists in the filter release process. When the actuator is pressed, the spring's stored energy automatically propels the wedge away from the filter, eliminating the need for additional force from the user
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 design allows for easier and more convenient handling of filters, reducing the effort required to manage filters in various conditions, ensuring secure retention and easy swapping without accidental release.
Implementation Method 1
The moveable wedge 20 is connected to an actuator knob 24, and inwardly biased by a spring 22 arranged coaxially with the actuator knob 24
Implementation Method 2
Each actuator 44 engages with the retainer body 53 through a pivot boss 52 which allows the actuator 44 to pivot
Implementation Method 3
Each actuator 44 also includes a levered cam surface 58, which bears against the sliding cam follower 60
Data Source
AI summary
A retaining mechanism for removeably holding an optical filter in a frame, comprising a catch, and an actuator moveable in a first direction which acts on the catch to move the catch in a second direction, different from the first direction, from a first position capable of engaging with an optical filter in the frame to a second position incapable of engaging with the optical filter.