Dynamic Camera Lens Cap With Integrated Iris Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera lens caps need to be frequently removed and reattached, leading to susceptibility to loss and interference with camera operation, and clear or colored lens covers are prone to scratching and light distortion when damaged.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic camera lens cap with an adjustable iris mechanism that screws onto the camera lens, allowing the iris to open fully for photography and close completely to protect the lens, using a camming mechanism and coupling system for secure attachment and easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional lens cap is used, then the lens is protected from scratches when not in use, but the lens cap must be frequently removed and reattached, leading to susceptibility to loss and interference with camera operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lens cap function with an iris mechanism into a single integrated assembly that remains attached to the lens. The iris blades can close to cover the lens aperture, providing protection without requiring removal of the entire assembly. This merging eliminates the need to frequently attach and detach a separate lens cap, reducing loss risk and operational interference while maintaining protection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic iris mechanism that can adjust its opening size continuously. The iris blades can transition between fully open (allowing light passage for photography) and fully closed (providing lens protection) positions. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt between protection and operation modes without physical removal, resolving the contradiction between reliable protection and operational convenience.
2Reliability
If clear or colored lens covers are used to protect the lens, then the lens is protected from scratches, but the covers themselves are susceptible to scratching and light distortion when damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the protective function from a separate external lens cap and integrates it into an iris mechanism that is part of the lens assembly. The iris blades are positioned to cover the lens aperture directly, providing protection without requiring a separate external cover that could scratch or distort light. This extraction and integration eliminates the harmful effects associated with external protective covers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the iris mechanism to replicate the protective function of external lens covers, but with the advantage of being integrated into the lens assembly. The iris blades can close to provide the same protective coverage as external covers, but without the drawbacks of scratching or light distortion. This copying of the protective function with improved integration resolves the contradiction between protection reliability and prevention of harmful effects.
3Ease of operation
If a lens cap is attached with a string or tether, then the lens cap can be retrieved after use, but the dangling lens cap may interfere with camera operation or become tangled with other items
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the protective function from a separate detachable lens cap and integrates it into the lens assembly itself. By eliminating the need for a separate lens cap that requires retrieval via string or tether, the patent removes the source of interference and tangling problems. The protective function is taken out from being a separate component and integrated directly into the lens system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the lens cap function with the lens assembly by integrating an iris mechanism that remains attached. This combination eliminates the need for separate retrieval mechanisms like strings or tethers, as the protective element is permanently integrated into the lens. The merging of functions removes the harmful interference and tangling issues associated with dangling lens caps while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a lens cap with an integrated iris that screws onto a camera lens. Once secured on a camera lens, the iris may be opened by rotating an outer edge of the lens cap in a first direction. When in an open position, the entire surface of the camera lens is free from obstruction and photos may be taken as if the lens cap were not even there. The iris can literally disappear within an edge of circular lens cap. By rotating the lens cap in an opposite direction, the lens may be completely covered by the integrated iris again. For example, the iris may be opened by rotating the lens cap in a clockwise direction and then closed again by rotating the lens cap in a counter clockwise direction. Once installed, this lens cap never has to be removed.