Imaging Lens Filter Holder Sliding Assembly Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing imaging apparatuses face difficulties in easily assembling and disassembling optical elements, such as infrared cut filters, due to complex mechanical connections and electrical wiring, making the process cumbersome and error-prone.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a filter base and lens holder with sliding surfaces and abutment surfaces that guide and secure the filter holder in place, allowing for easy assembly and removal, with a motor-driven actuator system that places or removes the filter from the optical path, and a photo-interrupter for detection, along with a flexible print substrate for electrical connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the optical filter and motor are integrated and inserted together from an opening, then the assembly process is simplified, but the disassembly process becomes complex requiring wire removal first

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly processVSAvoiddisassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the integrated assembly into separable components: the optical filter holder is separated from the motor assembly. The optical filter can be inserted and removed independently through the opening without requiring disconnection of electrical wires, as only the motor assembly remains connected to the substrate. This segmentation allows independent assembly and disassembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The optical filter holder is extracted as a separate removable component from the motor assembly. The design allows the optical filter to be taken out independently through the opening formed in the lens barrel, while the motor assembly with its electrical connections remains integrated with the substrate. This extraction enables easy removal of the optical filter without affecting electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If complex mechanical connections and electrical wiring are used to secure the optical element, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the attachment mechanism into a simple mechanical insertion system. The optical filter holder includes a insertion portion that fits into a corresponding receptacle in the lens barrel, eliminating the need for complex mechanical connections and electrical wiring during assembly. The electrical connections are maintained through the motor assembly's wire extension rather than direct connection to the optical filter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The complex electrical wiring and mechanical connections are extracted from the optical filter assembly. The optical filter holder is designed with a simple insertion mechanism that does not require electrical connections or complex fastening, while the motor assembly maintains its electrical connections to the substrate through extended wires that remain connected during optical filter removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If the optical filter is inserted from an opening on the side surface, then the assembly process is simplified, but dust and light interference may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly processVSAvoiddust and light interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a sealing member that is preliminarily positioned to seal the opening before the optical filter assembly is inserted. The sealing member includes a sealing portion that contacts the optical filter holder and another portion that seals the opening in the lens barrel, preventing dust and light interference during the insertion process and when the optical filter is in place.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing member acts as an intermediary element between the opening and the optical filter assembly. It includes a sealing portion that interfaces with the optical filter holder while another portion seals the opening in the lens barrel, thereby mediating the connection and preventing harmful factors like dust and light from entering through the opening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration simplifies the assembly and disassembly of optical elements, reduces the risk of errors, and ensures secure attachment, while maintaining optical integrity and reducing dust and light interference.

Implementation Method 1

sliding surfaces provided on the filter base and the lens holder, respectively, and the sliding surfaces of the filter base and the lens holder sliding against each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

abutment surfaces provided on the filter base and the lens holder, respectively, and the abutment surfaces of the filter base and the lens holder abutting against each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastener: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

a photo-interrupter for detection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3820137B1Imaging apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.01.18 CANON KK
  • EP3820137B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3820137B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3820137B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is provided with an imaging apparatus. A fixing component (104) fixes an imaging lens and have a side surface including an opening. A holding frame (103) holds an optical element. A holding base (102) is inserted into the opening from a direction orthogonal to an optical axis of the imaging lens and holds the holding frame. A driving gear (109) drives the holding frame in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the imaging lens. The holding base has an engagement portion (10281) that engages with the driving gear when the holding base is inserted into the opening.