Lens Barrel Aperture Stop Mechanism for Compact Optical Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lens barrels face challenges in miniaturization due to the need for actuators for both main and sub aperture stops, and struggle to adjust the sub aperture stop diameter appropriately for variations in magnification and focusing without restricting optical design freedom or increasing barrel length.
Innovation Solution
A lens barrel design that includes a sub aperture stop capable of changing its diameter in both magnification and focusing without a dedicated actuator, utilizing a first rotatable member to convert relative movement into rotation, and a mechanism to transmit rotation between members to adjust the sub aperture stop diameter, allowing for independent control without increasing the barrel's size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If actuators are provided for both main and sub aperture stops, then the aperture diameter of both stops can be controlled independently, but the lens barrel size increases and miniaturization is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control functions of both aperture stops into a single actuator. The actuator drives a rotating member that simultaneously controls the main aperture stop and the sub aperture stop through integrated mechanical linkages, eliminating the need for separate actuators and reducing overall lens barrel size.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator serves multiple functions by controlling both the main aperture stop and the sub aperture stop. The rotating member acts as a universal control element that can adjust aperture diameters for both stops independently through different mechanical pathways, achieving multi-functionality with a single component.
2Device complexity
If a single cam is used to change the aperture diameter, then the structure is simplified, but it becomes difficult to change the aperture diameter appropriately for combinations of various focal length and object distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the aperture control function into two independent controllable elements: the main aperture stop and the sub aperture stop. Each stop can be adjusted independently through the rotating member, allowing separate optimization for different conditions (focal length and object distance combinations) without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability by allowing the rotating member to independently control both aperture stops. This enables real-time adaptation of aperture diameters according to varying shooting conditions (different focal lengths and object distances), transforming a static single-aperture system into a dynamic dual-aperture system.
3Ease of operation
If two sub aperture stops are provided to change aperture diameter in magnification and focusing separately, then aperture control is improved, but the entire length of the lens barrel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control mechanisms for magnification and focusing aperture adjustments into a single sub aperture stop controlled by the rotating member. The rotating member coordinates both aperture adjustments through integrated mechanical linkages, eliminating the need for two separate sub aperture stops and reducing lens barrel length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the sub aperture stop is positioned within the lens barrel structure in a space-efficient manner. The rotating member and its linkages are nested within the existing optical path, allowing dual-function aperture control without extending the overall lens barrel length.
Data Source
AI summary
The lens barrel includes a first rotatable member rotatable to move a focusing lens in an optical axis direction, a first aperture stop unit including a first light-blocking member and a second rotatable member rotatable to move the first light-blocking member, a third rotatable member to be rotated by receiving a rotation of the first rotatable member, a first mechanism configured to, in the variation of magnification, convert a relative movement of the second and third rotatable members into a rotation of the second rotatable member, and a second mechanism configured to, in the focusing, transmit the rotation of the first rotatable member to the third rotatable member to rotate the third rotatable member and transmit the rotation of the third rotatable member to the second rotatable member to rotate the second rotatable member.