Focal Plane Shutter Single Actuator Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional focal plane shuttering apparatuses require multiple actuators and complex mechanisms to change between normally closed and normally opened states, which complicates the operation and efficiency of image capture devices.
Innovation Solution
A focal plane shuttering apparatus that uses a single charging actuator (motor) to control both front and rear curtains, employing elastic members and a motor-driven mechanism to switch between states by altering the direction of the actuator's force, allowing for slit exposure and efficient mode transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators are used to control front and rear curtains separately, then the shutter can achieve normally closed and normally opened states, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control of front curtain and rear curtain into a single charging actuator. The charging actuator sequentially charges the front curtain charging lever and rear curtain charging lever, merging multiple actuation functions into one device. This reduces the number of actuators from multiple to one, directly resolving the contradiction between versatility and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single charging actuator serves multiple functions: it charges the front curtain, charges the rear curtain, and enables both normally closed and normally opened states. By making the charging actuator universal and multi-functional, the patent achieves shutter state switching capability without increasing actuator quantity, thus resolving the technical contradiction.
2Ease of operation
If separate charging actuators are used for front and rear curtains, then each curtain can be controlled independently, but the operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the charging control of front and rear curtains into a single charging actuator that operates sequentially. The charging actuator first charges the front curtain charging lever, then charges the rear curtain charging lever. This unified control mechanism maintains independent curtain control capability while improving operational efficiency by coordinating the charging process through one actuator.
3Device complexity
If a single charging actuator is used for both front and rear curtains, then the mechanism is simplified, but controlling both curtains becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control process into distinct phases: front curtain charging phase and rear curtain charging phase. The charging actuator sequentially performs these segmented operations, first charging the front curtain charging lever, then charging the rear curtain charging lever. This segmentation makes dual curtain control manageable despite using a single actuator, resolving the contradiction between mechanism simplicity and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary charging action where the charging actuator charges the front curtain charging lever before charging the rear curtain charging lever. This preliminary action sequence ensures that the front curtain is prepared first, followed by the rear curtain, making the dual curtain control process systematic and easier to manage with a single actuator.
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
Enables seamless switching between normally closed and normally opened states using a single actuator, simplifying the mechanism and enhancing the operational efficiency of image capture devices, particularly in continuous shooting modes and live view functions.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic member which generates biasing force to make the front curtain run in such a direction as to get the front curtain retracted from the aperture
Implementation Method 2
a second elastic member which generates biasing force to make the rear curtain run in such a direction as to have the rear curtain cover the aperture
Data Source
AI summary
A focal plane shuttering apparatus includes: front and rear curtains; a first elastic member which generates biasing force to make the front curtain run in such a direction as to get the front curtain retracted from an aperture; a second elastic member which generates biasing force to make the rear curtain run in such a direction as to have the rear curtain cover the aperture; a charging member which applies biasing force to the first and second elastic members; a front curtain locking mechanism which keeps the front curtain retracted from the aperture when the charging member applies biasing force to the first elastic member; a rear curtain locking mechanism which keeps the aperture covered with the rear curtain when the charging member applies biasing force to the second elastic member; and an unlocking member interlocked with the charging member that unlocks the front and rear curtain locking mechanisms.