Lens Barrel Actuator Segmentation for Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lens barrels with large output actuators generate loud operating noise and have insufficient camera shake restriction, leading to noise recording during image capturing and uncontrolled camera shake propagation.
Innovation Solution
A lens barrel design featuring a first optical member, a first drive member, a second optical member, and a second drive member that move in the optical axis direction, with a motor and drive axle system that applies force to change the lens barrel's length, allowing for quiet magnification and focusing operations while minimizing camera shake.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a large output actuator is used to extend and contract the lens barrel, then the lens barrel can be extended and contracted effectively, but loud operating noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the actuator system into two separate drive members: a first drive member (large output actuator) dedicated to lens barrel extension/contraction, and a second drive member (small output actuator) dedicated to magnification and focusing. This segmentation allows the noisy first drive member to operate only during extension/contraction (not during image capture), while the quiet second drive member handles all operations during image capture, thus resolving the noise problem while maintaining adequate power for both functions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If pressure welding is applied to restrict camera shake, then some camera shake is reduced, but the camera shake restriction effect is insufficient and shake propagates along the lens barrel surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the first drive member (large output actuator) that generates significant operation force and potential vibration, mounting it on the first optical member rather than fixing it to the lens barrel housing. This extraction prevents the transmission of operational forces and vibrations to the lens barrel surface, thereby preventing camera shake propagation while maintaining the drive member's effectiveness for lens barrel extension and contraction.
Data Source
AI summary
To decrease operating noise of actuators in a lens barrel, provided is a lens barrel comprising a first optical member that moves in an optical axis direction prior to image capturing and during image capturing; a first drive member that causes the first optical member to move in the optical axis direction during image capturing; a second optical member that has the first drive member fixed thereto, moves in the optical axis direction prior to image capturing, and is fixed at a position in the optical axis direction during image capturing; and a second drive member that causes the second optical member, the first optical member, and the first drive member to move in the optical axis direction prior to image capturing. Also provided is an image capturing apparatus comprising the lens barrel and an image capturing section that captures image light from the lens barrel.