Lens Barrel Actuator Structure for Stable Optical Axis Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical device actuators with a floating structure support the guide shaft unstably, making it difficult to adjust the optical axes of lenses and vulnerable to damage from external forces exerted in directions other than the axial direction.

Innovation Solution

An optical device actuator comprising a movable frame, guide shaft, vibration imparting portion, weight, first frame body, second frame body, and elastic member, where the guide shaft supports the movable frame for axial movement, the vibration imparting portion imparts vibration to the guide shaft, and the elastic member presses the vibration imparting portion against the guide shaft via the weight, stabilizing the second end of the guide shaft and preventing damage from external forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a floating structure is employed to support the guide shaft, then the guide shaft can move freely in the axial direction, but the guide shaft becomes unstable and vulnerable to damage from external forces in directions other than axial

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of optical axisVSAvoidstability of guide shaft
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into two independent parts: the first frame body supports the vibration imparting portion and weight on one side, while the second frame body supports the guide shaft at the other end. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function - the first part allows axial movement for adjustability, while the second part provides stable fixed support, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the guide shaft is supported in an unstable floating state, then axial movement is facilitated, but damage from external forces in intersecting directions cannot be prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovability of guide shaftVSAvoidresistance to external force damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Different parts of the support structure have different support characteristics: the first frame body provides flexible support allowing axial movement through the vibration imparting mechanism, while the second frame body provides rigid fixed support to prevent damage from external forces. This local differentiation of support quality resolves the contradiction between movability and strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the second end of the guide shaft is fixed, then stability and damage prevention are improved, but optical axis adjustment becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of guide shaftVSAvoidadjustability of optical axis
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure transitions from a static floating support to a dynamic support system. The first frame body dynamically supports the vibration imparting portion and weight, allowing controlled movement during optical axis adjustment, while the second frame body remains statically fixed to provide stability. This dynamic-static combination resolves the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The optical device actuator allows for easy adjustment of the optical axis while preventing damage from external forces, providing a stable and precise mechanism for lens movement.

Implementation Method 1

The elastic member is provided on the first end side of the guide shaft, and presses the vibration imparting portion in the axial direction against the first end of the guide shaft via the weight

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a vibration actuator for guide shaft vibration, such as an SIDM (smooth impact drive mechanism) capable of high-speed response

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP3913415B1Optical device actuator and lens barrel provided with same
Publication Date: 2024.12.18 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3913415B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3913415B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3913415B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An optical device actuator comprises a movable frame (33) including a focus lens (L11); a main shaft guide (40); a piezoelectric element (36a); a weight (36b); a fixed frame (30); a guide holding frame (35); and a spring (36c). The piezoelectric element (36a) imparts vibration to a first end (40a) side of the main shaft guide (40). The fixed frame (30) supports the piezoelectric element (36a) and the weight (36b) disposed on the first end (40a) side of the main shaft guide (40). The guide holding frame (35) supports, in a fixed state, the main shaft guide (40) on a second end (40b) side on the opposite side from the first end (40a) side. The spring (36c) is provided on the first end (40a) side of the main shaft guide (40), and presses the piezoelectric element (36a) along the axial direction with respect to the first end (40a) of the main shaft guide (40) via the weight (36b).