Large-Camera Lens Mount Shims for Focus Flange Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera systems require complex and costly adjustments by specialized technicians to align camera lenses accurately with respect to the imaging plane, especially for large cameras, leading to inefficiencies and potential misalignments that affect image quality.
Innovation Solution
An external mechanism using shims to adjust the focus flange depth, pitch, and yaw of camera lenses relative to the imaging plane, allowing users to calibrate these parameters after manufacturing without specialized knowledge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional alignment methods are used, then alignment accuracy can be achieved, but the adjustment process becomes complex and requires specialized technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces shims as intermediary elements between the lens mount and camera body. These shims act as mediators that enable precise alignment adjustments without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms or specialized technician knowledge. The shims provide a simple yet effective means to adjust lens position, pitch, and yaw.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment adjustment system is designed to be user-friendly and self-service oriented. Users can perform alignment adjustments themselves using the shim-based mechanism without needing specialized training or knowledge. The system empowers end-users to maintain and calibrate their camera equipment independently.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex adjustment mechanisms are used, then alignment precision improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Shims serve as intermediary components that simplify the adjustment process while maintaining manufacturing precision. Instead of requiring users to manipulate complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, they simply insert or remove shims of appropriate thicknesses to achieve the desired focus flange depth and alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The shims are simple, inexpensive components that can be easily replaced or adjusted. This approach trades the durability of complex mechanical mechanisms for the simplicity and low cost of disposable or replaceable shim elements, making the system more accessible to regular users.
3Measurement precision
If specialized technicians are required for adjustment, then alignment accuracy is maintained, but productivity and efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system is specifically designed to enable end-users to perform alignment adjustments independently without requiring specialized technicians. This self-service capability dramatically improves productivity by allowing users to quickly adjust and maintain their equipment themselves, eliminating the need to schedule service appointments or wait for technician availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shim-based intermediary mechanism simplifies the adjustment process to a level that regular users can comprehend and execute. By reducing the complexity of the adjustment interface, the system enables rapid self-adjustment, thereby improving overall productivity and reducing dependency on specialized personnel.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the lens mount is firmly fixed, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to adjust depth, pitch, and yaw is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The lens mount assembly is segmented into multiple components: the lens mount, shims, and camera body. This segmentation allows the system to maintain overall structural stability while enabling adjustable parameters through the insertable/removable shim component. The shims provide the necessary adaptability without compromising the stability of the main lens mount structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, firmly fixed lens mount to a dynamic configuration where shims can be added or removed to adjust lens parameters. This dynamic approach allows the lens mount to adapt to different alignment requirements while maintaining structural integrity during operation. The adjustability is achieved through the modular shim components rather than moving the entire lens mount.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are system, apparatus, and method for accurately setting a focus flange depth and planarity of a camera lens. An aspect includes a lens housing with at least one camera lens, a camera body with an imaging plane, and a lens mount removably coupling the lens housing to the camera body via a coupling mechanism. At least one shim may be inserted between the lens mount and the camera body to adjust a depth, pitch, and yaw of the camera lens in the lens housing with respect to the imaging plane in the camera body. Each shim may comprise a body having an opening extending from an edge of the body to a center of the body. The opening of each shim is configured to receive the coupling mechanism such that the pitch and yaw may be adjusted without fully removing the lens housing from the camera body.