Groove-Retained Rolling Element Image Stabilizer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image stabilization apparatuses face challenges in miniaturization and reliability due to the need for a restriction pin that can loosen or be dislodged, causing rolling balls to drop out and rendering the system inoperable.
Innovation Solution
The proposed image stabilization apparatus employs a guiding member with grooves to prevent rotation of the movable lens frame, using rolling members that contact the grooves at both ends of their range, eliminating the need for a restriction pin and enhancing the system's compactness and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a restriction pin is used to prevent rolling balls from dropping out, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the restriction pin component from the system. Instead of using a separate pin to prevent rolling balls from dropping out, the groove structure itself is designed to inherently retain the rolling balls through its geometric configuration, where the groove width is smaller than the rolling ball diameter, making the pin unnecessary and simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the function of the restriction pin into the groove structure itself. The groove is designed with specific dimensional relationships (groove width < rolling ball diameter) that combine the guiding function and the retention function into a single integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate components.
2Reliability
If a restriction pin is used to hold rolling balls, then the rolling balls are prevented from dropping out, but the apparatus cannot be made smaller
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the restriction pin, the invention reduces the number of components and the overall volume required for the mechanism. The groove structure alone suffices to retain the rolling balls, allowing for a more compact arrangement of components and a smaller overall apparatus size.
Solution Approach 2:
The rolling balls are nested within the grooves of the guiding member, with the groove dimensions specifically designed to accommodate the rolling balls securely. This nesting arrangement allows the rolling balls to be retained without requiring additional external restraining structures, contributing to compactness.
3Reliability
If a pin is used to restrict guiding member movement, then the rolling ball is prevented from dropping out, but the pin may loosen or drop out due to poor assembly or external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates the pin component that is susceptible to loosening or dropping out due to assembly issues or external forces. By relying solely on the groove geometry to retain the rolling balls, the system removes the weak link in the assembly chain and achieves inherent stability without additional fastening elements.
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 allows for a smaller and more reliable image stabilization apparatus by preventing the rolling balls from dropping out, ensuring the system's operational integrity and stability without the risk of pin loosening or external forces causing inoperability.
Implementation Method 1
a rolling member rollably held between the fixed member and the guiding member
Data Source
AI summary
An image stabilization apparatus includes a fixing member, a movable member, a guiding member movable in a first direction orthogonal to the optical axis relative to the fixed member, and configured to guide the movable member while restricting a rotation of the movable member on the plane orthogonal to the optical axis relative to the fixed member, and a rolling member rollably held between the fixed member and the guiding member. The fixing member includes a first groove extending in the first direction and contacts the rolling member. The guiding member includes a second groove that extends in the first direction and contacts the rolling member. The rolling member can contact an end of the first groove and an end of the second groove while the guiding member is located at one of ends in a movable range of the guiding member in the first direction.