Camera Shutter Control via Independent Cam Charging

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional single-lens reflex cameras lack independent control over the front and rear shutter curtains, limiting the flexibility and efficiency of the shutter operation sequence.

Innovation Solution

The camera design incorporates a rotating shaft with cams and charge members to independently control and charge the drive forces for the first and second shutter blade sets, allowing for precise control of the shutter blades and mirror positioning, enabling independent operation of the front and rear curtains.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single operational sequence is used to control shutter operations, then the device complexity is reduced, but the operational flexibility and control precision over individual shutter curtains deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshutter control mechanismVSAvoidindependent shutter curtain control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the shutter control system into separate charge members (first charge member 14 and second charge member 16) for the front and rear curtains, allowing independent charging and control of each curtain's drive force through dedicated cam mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a rotating shaft (172) with variable cam profiles that dynamically adjust the charging of drive forces during different rotational phases, enabling flexible control sequences where the front curtain can be charged independently of the rear curtain based on operational requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If the front and rear shutter curtains are controlled through a single drive mechanism, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the operational efficiency and precision of shutter sequencing deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshutter control mechanismVSAvoidshutter blade positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements different cam profiles (first drive force charge cam face 121a and second drive force charge cam face 122a) with distinct geometric characteristics tailored to the specific positioning requirements of each shutter curtain, allowing precise control of front and rear curtain sequences

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The rotating shaft with cam mechanisms serves as an intermediary that translates a single rotational input into differentiated drive forces for the front and rear curtains, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving precise sequential control through the cam-mediated transmission

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If independent charge members are introduced for each shutter curtain, then the operational flexibility improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent shutter curtain operationVSAvoidcharge member and cam system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the first cam (121) and second cam (122) onto a common rotating shaft (172), allowing both independent charge members (14 and 16) to be actuated from a single rotational source, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining independent control capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotating shaft (172) serves multiple functions simultaneously: it rotates to drive the mirror mechanism, charges the first charge member through the first cam, charges the second charge member through the second cam, and coordinates the timing of both shutter curtains, consolidating multiple control functions into a single universal component

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2159635B1Camera with mirror and shutter driving means
Publication Date: 2011.04.13 NIKON CORP
  • EP2159635B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2159635B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2159635B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a camera, the first cam is rotated to assume a rotational phase at which drive of the first shutter blade set with the first drive force is not hindered and the second drive force charge cam face in contact with the second charge member charges the second drive force as the rotating shaft is caused to rotate to a first rotational phase. The second drive force charge cam in contact with the second charge member sustains a second drive force charging state during a transition period in which the rotating shaft in the first rotational phase rotates to a second rotational phase. The first drive force charge cam face in contact with the first charge member charges the first drive force and the second drive force charge cam face in contact with the second charge member charges the second drive force as the rotating shaft is caused to rotate from the first rotational phase to the second rotational phase.