Camera Shutter Speed Dial Electronic Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera setting devices with rotary operation dials face complications in structure and operability due to mechanical locking mechanisms, which can lead to erroneous operations and reduced user experience.

Innovation Solution

A setting device with a rotatable operation dial featuring a display section, contact detection unit, lock state switching, and display control unit that electronically locks and unlocks the dial, allowing settings to be switched only in the unlocked state, enhancing compactness and usability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical locking mechanism is added to prevent erroneous operations, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of erroneous operationsVSAvoidstructure of operation dial

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical locking mechanism with an electronic locking system. The lock state switching unit electronically controls whether the rotation detection unit registers rotation operations, eliminating the need for mechanical locks while maintaining prevention of erroneous operations. This substitution reduces structural complexity while preserving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a lock state switching unit as an intermediary between the rotation detection unit and the setting switching unit. This intermediary electronically mediates whether setting changes can occur, replacing direct mechanical intervention with electronic control logic that manages the locking state based on detected operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a separate means for prohibiting setting change is provided, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of setting changeVSAvoidoperability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the locking function with the operation dial itself. The lock state switching unit is integrated into the operation dial structure, allowing users to toggle the lock state by touching the dial surface. This integration eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms and maintains intuitive operation while preventing erroneous setting changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The operation dial serves its primary function of setting selection while simultaneously providing the locking function. By detecting touch operations on the dial surface, the system allows the dial to self-manage its own locking state without requiring external control mechanisms, thereby maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10761407B2Setting device and camera

Publication Date: 2020.09.01 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

Provided are a setting device and a camera that are capable of preventing erroneous operations with compact configurations and have high operability. A display section is provided on an upper surface of a shutter speed dial. The display section displays settable shutter speeds and an image picture of a lock button. A touch sensor detects contact with the upper surface of the shutter speed dial, and switching of the shutter speed by the shutter speed dial is locked and unlocked every time the contact is detected.