Camera Focus Locking Mechanism for High-Motion Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small form factor cameras face challenges in maintaining focus during high-motion activities due to unwanted lens movement, as existing autofocus mechanisms are inadequate in preventing positional drift.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism that includes a ferromagnetic plate, an electromagnet, and a flexure, where the electromagnet generates a magnetic field to clamp the camera components in place, preventing movement along the optical axis, which can be activated by the user or automatically during high-motion activities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an autofocus mechanism moves the optical lens along the optical axis to refocus, then the camera can adjust focus for different object distances, but the lens position becomes unstable during high-motion activities causing positional drift
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism dynamically transitions between locked and unlocked states based on operational conditions. During high-motion activities, the electromagnet activates to lock the lens carrier in place, preventing positional drift. During normal operation, the lock is disengaged to allow autofocus movement. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction by adapting the stability characteristic to the operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnet acts as an intermediary mechanism between the lens carrier and the camera body. It provides a controllable magnetic force that either secures the lens carrier in a fixed position or allows it to move freely for focusing. This intermediary locking mechanism enables the system to achieve both focus adjustability and position stability as needed.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent lens movement, then positional stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking mechanisms (such as screws, clips, or latches) with an electromagnet-based magnetic field system. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity by eliminating moving mechanical lock components while achieving the same stabilizing function through electromagnetic force, which can be controlled electronically without additional mechanical linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnet serves multiple functions: it acts as both the locking mechanism for stabilizing the lens carrier and as part of the overall camera actuation system. By integrating the locking function into an existing electromagnetic component rather than adding a separate dedicated locking device, the patent minimizes the increase in device complexity while achieving positional stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the electromagnet continuously clamps the lens carrier, then focus position stability is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnet operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only during high-motion activities when positional stability is required. The system detects motion conditions and engages the electromagnet only when needed, then deactivates it during normal operation. This periodic activation pattern maintains focus stability when necessary while minimizing energy consumption during routine operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of the electromagnet from a continuous on state to a conditional on/off state based on motion detection. By monitoring motion parameters and adjusting the electromagnet's activation state accordingly, the system maintains focus position stability during high-motion conditions while reducing energy consumption during stable, low-motion conditions.
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
Effectively prevents positional drift of camera components, ensuring stable focus during activities like riding a motorcycle or snowboarding, by providing a clamping force that maintains the camera's focus position despite external disturbances.
Implementation Method 1
The locking mechanism may include a ferromagnetic plate fixedly attached to a carrier (e.g., a lens carrier, an image sensor carrier, etc.), an electromagnet for electromagnetically interacting with the ferromagnetic plate
Implementation Method 2
the electromagnet is electrically driven to generate a magnetic field that attracts the ferromagnetic plate, thereby providing a clamping force
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments include a locking mechanism for a camera. The locking mechanism may be used to provide a clamping force that prevents one or more components of the camera from moving along one or more axes in some examples. According to various embodiments, the locking mechanism may include a ferromagnetic plate fixedly attached to a carrier (e.g., a lens carrier, an image sensor carrier, etc.), an electromagnet for electromagnetically interacting with the ferromagnetic plate, and a flexure to which the electromagnet may be attached. The flexure may further be attached to a stationary structure of the camera. In some embodiments, the camera may be operable such that, in a lock mode of the camera, the electromagnet is electrically driven to generate a magnetic field that attracts the ferromagnetic plate, thereby providing a clamping force that prevents the carrier from moving along an optical axis of the camera.