Flex Member Actuator for Camera Autofocus Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanical focus actuators in camera systems, such as those used in bar code scanners, suffer from mechanical wear and rapid deterioration when used for high-speed autofocus applications, leading to unreliable performance in quickly focusing on various sizes and resolutions of bar codes.
Innovation Solution
A camera system utilizing two flex members made of materials with a flexural modulus, such as Beryllium-Copper, to actuate a lens shuttle linearly within a frame, driven by a stepper motor and cam mechanism, allowing for precise and rapid focus adjustments without mechanical wear, with a flex distance optimized for bar code reading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mechanical slide mechanisms or mechanical linkages are used to move the camera lens for autofocus, then the focus adjustment function is achieved, but mechanical wear and rapid deterioration occur leading to unreliable performance in high-speed applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical slide mechanisms and linkages with a flex member-based actuation system. The flex members are elastomeric components that provide the necessary mechanical movement through elastic deformation rather than traditional sliding or linking mechanisms, eliminating the wear and deterioration problems associated with conventional mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flex members made of elastomeric materials with specific flexural modulus properties. These flexible components replace rigid mechanical linkages and provide the required motion through controlled elastic bending, eliminating mechanical wear while maintaining precise focus adjustment capability.
2Speed
If conventional mechanical focus actuators are used for high-speed autofocus applications, then rapid focusing is attempted, but mechanical wear causes deterioration and unreliable performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes traditional high-wear mechanical mechanisms with elastomeric flex members that can rapidly cycle through focus positions without degradation. The elastic nature of the flex members allows for high-speed operation while maintaining consistent performance across thousands of actuation cycles.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical linkages are used to move the lens, then focus adjustment is achieved, but mechanical wear and deterioration occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses elastomeric flex members with controlled flexural modulus to replace rigid mechanical linkages. These flexible components maintain structural integrity while providing smooth, wear-free focus adjustment through elastic deformation, improving ease of operation without sacrificing component strength.
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
The solution enables the camera system to maintain focus during rapid operations, reducing mechanical wear and ensuring accurate reading of bar codes across different sizes and resolutions without the limitations of traditional mechanical focus actuators.
Implementation Method 1
the first flex member and second flex member are opposite one another and comprise a material with a flexural modulus. With the flexural modulus, as the first flex member and second flex member flex (or actuate) in the same linear direction with respect to the frame, the lens shuttle equally moves in a linear direction with respect to the frame.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A camera system (101) with an autofocus actuator with flex members (102, 103) is provided for actuating the lens (210) of the camera (101). A set of flex members reside (102, 103) on opposite sides of a lens assembly (209) with a lens (210). The flex members (102, 103) suspend the lens assembly (209) within the frame (104) of the camera (101). The flex members (102, 103) may be made of a material with a flexural modulus and ducts to enhance the flexural modulus. The flex members (102, 103) are optimized to provide linear movement of the lens assembly (209) with limited lateral movement. The camera (101) may further include a shuttle driver (211) to move the lens (210) of the camera (101) and actuate a flex in the flex members (102, 103).