Camera Lens Locking Mechanism with Elastic Stop Member
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera housing/lens systems face challenges in precisely setting and locking the lens position due to the iterative process required with counter nuts, which is time-consuming and difficult, affecting imaging characteristics and image quality.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a stop member and an elastic element between the stop member and the lens mount or lens, allowing for precise adjustment and secure locking without releasing compression, utilizing friction forces and elastic deformation for precise positioning and secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a counter nut is used to lock the lens in position, then the lens can be locked securely, but the position setting is altered due to forces applied during locking
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two independent functional parts: a stop member that maintains the lens position setting and an elastic element that provides the locking force. The stop member is joined to either the lens or lens mount and features a stop surface that contacts the other component, while the elastic element is compressed between the stop member and the lens mount/lens to provide locking force without altering the position setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop member acts as an intermediary element between the elastic element and the lens/lens mount. It transmits the locking force from the elastic element while maintaining a gap that prevents direct force transmission that would alter the lens position setting, thus mediating between the locking function and position preservation.
2Strength
If the counter nut is tightened to lock the lens, then the locking strength increases, but the position setting must be released and readjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism separates the positioning function (stop member with stop surface) from the locking function (elastic element), allowing the elastic element to be compressed to any desired degree to achieve the required locking strength without needing to release and readjust the position setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop member is pre-configured with the stop surface at the correct position before locking. When the elastic element is compressed, it immediately engages with the stop member at the pre-set position, eliminating the need for iterative adjustment and readjustment processes.
3Reliability
If compression is applied between the lens mount and counter nut to lock the lens, then the locking effect is achieved, but the process becomes iterative and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism is segmented into a stop member that defines the position and an elastic element that provides locking force. The elastic element can be compressed independently to achieve the desired locking effect without affecting the position setting, making the process straightforward and non-iterative.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element's compression parameter can be independently adjusted to control the locking force strength without changing the position parameter. This decoupling of parameters allows for easy adjustment of locking strength while maintaining the correct lens position setting.
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
Enables precise and secure adjustment of the lens position without altering the setting, allowing for reliable image quality and reduced time in the adjustment process, with the elastic element providing a range of fine adjustment and secure locking.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element arranged between the stop member and the lens mount or between the stop member and the lens, wherein the elastic element is compressed between the stop member and the lens mount or between the stop member and the lens to lock the lens in position
Implementation Method 2
utilizing friction forces and elastic deformation for precise positioning and secure locking
Data Source
AI summary
A camera housing/lens system comprises a camera housing for a camera and a lens. The camera housing/lens system further comprises a lock for locking the lens in position. The lock includes a stop member joined to the lens or the lens mount, and an elastic element arranged between the stop member and the lens mount or between the stop member and the lens, wherein the elastic element is compressed between the stop member and the lens mount or between the stop member and the lens to lock the lens in position. A gap remains between the stop member and the lens mount or between the stop member and the lens. This “elastic compression” allows the position of the lens to be finely adjusted in relation to the lens mount, without having to release the compression in order to do so.