Camera Matte Box Filter Rings with Spring-Loaded Bearings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing matte boxes are difficult to assemble and disassemble, and they often reduce the angle of view due to their design, which increases cost and complexity, and require significant dexterity and tolerance for easy assembly and disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A matte box system with filter rings that have spring-loaded bearing elements and catch mechanisms allowing independent rotation and secure engagement, enabling easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining a wide angle of view by using a bearing and race system on opposing faces to prevent radial movement and increase the inner diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If larger diameter parts are used to maintain angle of view, then the angle of view is preserved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The matte box is divided into multiple detachable filter stages that can be assembled in a telescopic arrangement. Each stage has reduced diameter compared to traditional designs, but the segmented structure maintains the overall angle of view by allowing precise positioning of each segment along the optical axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from increasing diameter in the radial dimension to extending the structure in the axial dimension. The telescopic arrangement allows filter stages to be positioned at different distances from the lens along the optical axis, maintaining angle of view without requiring larger radial dimensions.
2Ease of operation
If filter stages are made detachable for easy assembly and disassembly, then ease of operation improves, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Filter stages are designed with nested telescopic structures where smaller diameter stages fit within larger diameter stages. This nesting arrangement allows multiple filter stages to be assembled in sequence with simple axial movement, providing easy assembly and disassembly without complex locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter stages incorporate movable elements such as spring-loaded catching ribs that dynamically engage and disengage during assembly and disassembly operations. This dynamic mechanism allows quick attachment and detachment of filter stages while maintaining secure connection during use.
3Ease of operation
If spring-loaded sliding ribs are used for easy assembly and disassembly, then ease of operation improves, but thickness increases and inner diameter reduces
Solution Approach 1:
The catching mechanism is positioned on the rear face of filter stages rather than requiring radial extension. This axial positioning allows the spring-loaded catching ribs to engage with corresponding surfaces on adjacent stages without increasing the radial thickness or reducing the inner diameter of the filter stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded catching ribs are pre-positioned and biased to automatically engage with corresponding surfaces when filter stages are brought together. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures and allows easy assembly without requiring additional radial space for adjustment mechanisms.
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 system allows for quick and easy assembly and disassembly of filter stages while maintaining a wide angle of view, reducing the complexity and cost associated with larger diameter components, and is more user-friendly compared to existing designs.
Implementation Method 1
the bearing element including a spring-loaded or otherwise biased surface that protrudes from the face and is urged in a generally axial direction to engage with the bearing surface
Data Source
AI summary
A matte box system for a camera is presented, including one or more filter rings each capable of accommodating a filter or filter holder, the filter rings each having a substantially planar forward face and a substantially planar rear face, one face having one or more bearing elements and the other face having a corresponding bearing surface adapted to engage with the bearing element. The bearing surface includes one or more circular or arcuate channels, and the bearing element including a spring-loaded or otherwise biased surface that protrudes from the face and is urged in a generally axial direction to engage with the bearing surface such that the bearing surface and bearing element of consecutive filter rings allow the filter rings to independently rotate about the optical axis, while resisting radial movement of the filter rings.