Camera Lens Focus Ring Locking Mechanism Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera lenses lack a compact and user-friendly mechanism for locking the focus ring, especially for cameras that frequently change and lock focus, making it difficult to maintain the focus setting during movement and affecting ease of use and packing.
Innovation Solution
A camera lens design incorporating a locking ring with an outer ring that can be adjusted to lock the focus ring in a specific position through rotation or axial movement, providing a frictional or form-fit connection, and featuring tactile feedback and directional indications for easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to lock the focus ring, then the focus can be maintained during movement, but the device complexity increases and packing convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the existing focus ring structure. The locking ring integrates with the focus ring assembly, combining the focusing function and locking function into a unified structure, thereby avoiding additional complex components while maintaining focus reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ring is nested within the focus ring assembly. The locking ring can be rotated independently within the focus ring structure, allowing the locking mechanism to be contained within the existing form factor without increasing overall device complexity or affecting packing convenience.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to lock the focus ring, then the focus can be maintained during movement, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in rotation during use
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring serves multiple functions: it can be rotated to lock/unlock the focus ring, and it can also be compressed axially to achieve the same locking effect. This multi-functionality provides users with flexible operation options, improving ease of use during movement while maintaining focus reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static rotational-only design to a dynamic system that accepts both rotational input and axial compression input. This dynamic approach allows users to lock the focus ring in various operational scenarios, enhancing ease of operation during camera movement.
3Reliability
If a knob is added to lock the focus ring, then the focus can be maintained, but the packing convenience deteriorates due to the knob standing off from the lens
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring is merged with the focus ring assembly, eliminating the need for a separate protruding knob. The locking function is integrated into the existing cylindrical form of the lens, maintaining a compact profile that does not interfere with packing convenience while ensuring focus maintenance.
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, accessible, and reliable method to lock and unlock the focus ring, ensuring accurate focus settings even during frequent adjustments and enhancing usability and packing convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a friction providing element in engagement with the focus ring
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A camera lens (1) comprising at least one focus ring (2) to manually adjust a focus of the camera. The camera lens (1) further comprises at least one locking ring (3) comprising an outer ring (4). The locking ring (3) is adapted to be adjusted to lock the focus ring (2) in a specific position.