Compact Aperture Unit Using Nested Rotating Blades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light shielding units for cameras are not compact enough, limiting their miniaturization potential in imaging devices.
Innovation Solution
A light shielding unit comprising a first frame, a second frame, movable blades, a drive ring, and a drive source, where the movable blades adjust the light passage by rotating around rotation shafts, allowing for compact design by optimizing the shape and structure to reduce size without compromising functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional light shielding unit structures are used, then light control functionality is maintained, but the overall size cannot be reduced sufficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The movable blades are rotatably disposed within the annular main body of the frame, with each blade having a rotation shaft inserted through its center. The blades are nested within the frame's internal space, allowing the aperture unit to maintain compact dimensions while achieving full light control functionality through rotational movement of the blades around the optical axis
Solution Approach 2:
The movable blades utilize rotational movement around the optical axis (adding a rotational dimension) to control light passage, rather than linear movement. This dimensional change allows the blades to sweep through the light path effectively while maintaining a compact overall structure, as rotation occupies less axial space than linear translation would require
2Length of moving object
If the movable blades are made smaller to reduce overall size, then compactness is improved, but smooth operation and light control effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The frame includes a specific structural feature (the protrusion or guide structure described in the patent) that locally guides the movable blades during rotation. This localized guidance structure ensures smooth operation of the blades even when the blades themselves are made compact, by providing precise rotational paths and reducing friction or binding
Solution Approach 2:
The movable blades are designed to rotate freely around rotation shafts that are inserted through the blades and supported by the frame. This dynamic rotational mechanism allows the blades to move smoothly through different angular positions to control light passage, maintaining operational ease despite reduced blade dimensions
Data Source
AI summary
An aperture unit comprises a base plate, a cover, a plurality of movable blades, a drive ring, a drive motor, and rotation shafts. The movable blades are disposed between the base plate and the cover, and adjust the amount of light passing through by varying the size of the opening by opening and closing operations. The drive ring is disposed between the base plate and the cover, is rotationally driven when the movable blades are opened and closed, and has a plurality of cam pins that move along cam grooves in the movable blades. The cover has protrusions that protrude toward the movable blades along the optical axis direction and restrict the movement of the movable blades in the optical axis direction.