Diopter Adjustment Mechanism Dustproof Ring Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing diopter adjustment mechanisms in optical instruments face challenges in preventing foreign matter, such as dust, from entering the internal components while maintaining a high-quality appearance, ease of operation, and accurate diopter adjustment.

Innovation Solution

A diopter adjustment mechanism with a dustproof portion that includes a dustproof ring and ring stopper, integrated with bearing portions to prevent foreign matter entry and ensure smooth, stable operation, combined with a push-action mechanism for easy storage and protrusion of the diopter adjustment dial.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a diopter adjustment dial is provided in the vicinity of the finder, then the diopter can be adjusted according to the user's visual acuity, but foreign matter such as dust may enter the inside of the finder through the gap between the dial and the main body case

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediopter adjustmentVSAvoidforeign matter entry
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A dustproof ring is introduced as an intermediary component between the diopter adjustment dial and the main body case. This dustproof ring fills the gap that would otherwise allow dust entry, while still permitting the dial to rotate for adjustment. The dustproof ring acts as a mediator that reconciles the need for operational access with the need for protection against foreign matter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The dustproof ring is designed with a flexible structure that allows it to deform elastically during assembly and operation. This flexibility enables the dustproof ring to maintain contact with both the dial and the case, sealing the gap effectively while accommodating manufacturing tolerances and operational movements without compromising the dustproof seal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Volume of moving object

If the diopter adjustment dial is made compact to reduce space occupation, then the device size is reduced, but the appearance quality and operation feel may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanism sizeVSAvoidappearance quality and operation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The dustproof ring is nested within the assembly structure, positioned between the dial and the case. This nested configuration allows the dustproof ring to be integrated into the compact design without significantly increasing the overall volume. The dustproof ring fits within the existing spatial envelope, maintaining compactness while providing the necessary sealing function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The thin-film structure of the dustproof ring allows it to occupy minimal space while providing effective dust protection. Its flexibility enables it to conform to the compact geometry of the adjusted dial assembly, ensuring that the dustproof function is achieved without compromising the compact design or the operational quality of the dial.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the gap between the diopter adjustment dial and main body case is reduced to prevent dust entry, then foreign matter protection is improved, but the dial rotation may become restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust entry preventionVSAvoiddial rotation smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dustproof ring's flexible nature allows it to deform during dial rotation, maintaining a tight seal against dust entry while accommodating the rotational movement. The elasticity of the dustproof ring enables it to compress and expand as needed, ensuring continuous dust protection without creating excessive friction or restricting the dial's rotation smoothness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The dustproof ring transitions from a static sealing element to a dynamic component that adapts its shape during operation. As the dial rotates, the dustproof ring deforms elastically to maintain contact with both the dial and the case, dynamically adjusting its position and shape to prevent dust entry throughout the entire range of motion without restricting rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3657245B1Diopter adjustment mechanism and optical instrument including diopter adjustment mechanism
Publication Date: 2021.08.18 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3657245B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3657245B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3657245B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A diopter adjustment mechanism (20) comprising a shaft body (29) that is integrally rotated in response to an operation of the diopter adjustment dial (5), a driving unit (17-18) that moves a lens in an optical axis direction by rotation of the shaft body, bearing portions (31-32) that rotatably hold the shaft body in the vicinity of both ends of the shaft body, and a dustproof portion (30) that is arranged between the bearing portions of the shaft body, and blocks a first space continuous with an arrangement space of the diopter adjustment dial from a second space continuous with an arrangement space of the lens in a space around the shaft body, wherein the dustproof portion is circumferentially rotatable with respect to an outer peripheral surface of the shaft body, and is slidable in an axial direction of the shaft body.