Camera Optical Unit Asymmetric Opening Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera designs with mechanical switching of optical components for different video conditions result in increased camera size due to the volume required for the optical unit, necessitating a reduction in mounting space.
Innovation Solution
A camera design featuring a base plate with rectangular openings that are cyclically arranged in the optical path through rotation, where a part of the long side of each opening faces a part of the short side of an adjacent opening, or a segment equally dividing each opening is deviated from the radial axis, reducing the projection area and allowing for a smaller form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a unit for mechanically switching optical components is mounted on the camera, then the camera can perform photography under different video conditions, but the camera volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical switching function directly into the lens barrel structure by providing multiple optical systems (normal, wide-angle, telephoto) within a single integrated lens unit. This eliminates the need for separate optical switching mechanisms, thereby maintaining versatility while reducing overall camera volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens unit is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating multiple optical systems that can be switched between different focal lengths and field of views. This single lens unit performs the functions of multiple dedicated lenses, reducing the need for additional mounting space while maintaining adaptability.
2Device complexity
If the optical unit is designed with conventional radial arrangement of openings, then the structure is simple, but the projection area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric arrangement of the plurality of openings on the base plate, where openings are positioned at different radial distances and angular positions rather than in a symmetric radial pattern. This asymmetric configuration optimizes the projection area by reducing the maximum radial extent while maintaining access to all optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional two-dimensional radial arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration by varying the radial distances of openings from the rotation center. This dimensional approach allows compact packing of multiple openings within a smaller projection area while maintaining functional accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A camera that has an optical unit includes: a base plate; a plurality of openings which is provided on the base plate and each of which has a substantially rectangular opening shape having long sides and short sides; and a plurality of optical components each of which covers any of the plurality of openings. The plurality of openings is disposed to be cyclically placed in one optical path through rotation of the base plate, and is disposed such that a part of a long side of each opening thereof faces a part of a short side of another opening thereof adjacent thereto.