Image Acquisition Unit Thumb-Operated Focusing Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional night and day vision units are cumbersome due to their weight and design, requiring users to release one hand for focusing, making it difficult to simultaneously focus and operate other controls.
Innovation Solution
A portable image acquisition unit with a double handgrip and externally adjustable focusing rings, allowing users to grip the unit firmly with both hands and focus using their thumbs, while operating other controls without releasing their grip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the unit is designed with multiple vision systems and internal components, then the functionality and versatility are improved, but the weight and handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the housing into distinct functional zones: a handgrip area for stable holding, a focusing area with externally accessible rings, and a control area with buttons. This segmentation allows each zone to serve its specific purpose without interfering with others, enabling multi-functionality while maintaining ergonomic handling.
2Measurement precision
If the focusing mechanism uses an external ring nut that requires hand release, then the focusing precision is improved, but the operational efficiency and control accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the focusing control from a one-handed operation (requiring hand release) to a two-handed operation. The focusing rings are positioned on the external surface of the housing in a location that allows the thumb of the gripping hand to access them, adding a spatial dimension to the control interface. This enables simultaneous gripping and focusing without compromising precision.
3Ease of operation
If the controls are positioned in the gripping area, then the ease of operation is improved, but the gripping stability deteriorates when focusing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct functional zones on the housing surface. The handgrip area maintains its primary function for stable holding, while specific regions are designated for focusing rings and control buttons. This localized functional distribution allows users to operate controls without compromising the overall gripping stability, as each zone serves its specific purpose independently.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the unit is designed for two-handed gripping, then the handling stability is improved, but the accessibility to focusing controls deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the thumb as an intermediary element that can simultaneously maintain gripping stability and access focusing controls. The focusing rings are positioned on the external housing surface at a location that allows the thumb to operate them without releasing the grip. This intermediary approach enables two-handed gripping while maintaining focusing accessibility.
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 precise focusing and operation of multiple controls simultaneously, improving handling and reducing the risk of altering the observation line, with a design that eliminates mechanical backlash and maintains a secure grip.
Implementation Method 1
An elastic member is associated with said support to eliminate backlash. The elastic member can comprise a helical compression spring surrounding a chamber extending between the objective lens and the sensor of the vision system, said spring pushing the support to a position of maximum distance from the objective lens and towards the inside of the housing.
Data Source
AI summary
The image acquisition unit (1) comprises: a housing (3) with a handgrip (3A, 3B) to be gripped and supported by hand; inside the housing, at least one image detection system (59, 25) and at least one focusing device for the image detection system, that can be operated from the outside of said housing. The image detection system comprises an objective lens (25), fixed with respect to the housing (3), and a support (55), movable with respect to the objective lens (25), mounted on which is a sensor (5) for detecting the images focused by the objective lens. The focusing device comprises a ring (41; 43) that can be adjusted from the outside of the housing (3) placed in a position to allow adjustment with the thumb of the hand with which the unit is gripped. A mechanical connection member (69, 67, 73, 75) between the ring (41; 43) and the moving support (55) transforms the rotational movement of the ring into a translational and focusing movement of the support with respect to the fixed objective lens.