Lens Barrel Dual Interface Zoom Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lens barrels with multiple interface units for zoom setting become cumbersome to operate as the number of units increases, making it difficult for users to determine which interface to use for focal distance adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A lens barrel design incorporating two interface units, a zoom lever and a zoom ring, both operated around the optical axis, allowing for intuitive and efficient zoom setting with clear directionality for telephoto and wide-angle adjustments, enabling both rough and fine adjustments with minimal effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interface units are provided for zoom setting, then both rough and fine adjustments can be performed separately, but it becomes difficult for users to decide which interface unit to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between rough adjustment and fine adjustment modes based on the current zoom position. The control unit automatically determines which interface unit to activate (first or second) depending on whether the zoom lens is in the rough adjustment range or fine adjustment range, making the system adaptive rather than static. This resolves the contradiction by providing multiple adjustment capabilities while automatically managing interface selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors the zoom position and provides feedback to determine which interface unit should be active. When the zoom lens reaches a certain position range, the system automatically switches between rough and fine adjustment modes, giving users clear feedback about which interface is currently responsive. This eliminates user confusion about which interface to use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interface units are provided for zoom setting, then rough and fine adjustments can be performed separately, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Both the first and second interface units are designed to accept the same type of input operation (rotation around the optical axis), making them universally operable in the same manner. The control unit simply routes the input to different processing modes (rough vs. fine adjustment) based on the current zoom position, rather than requiring fundamentally different interface mechanisms. This reduces complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the rough adjustment and fine adjustment functions into a unified zoom control system where both interface units operate around the same optical axis. The control unit integrates both input sources and automatically switches between adjustment modes, combining multiple functions into a coordinated system rather than separate independent mechanisms. This reduces overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A lens barrel is provided that includes an optical system and a plurality of interface units. The optical system includes an optical axis and a focal distance. The focal distance is configured to be adjusted by the optical system. The plurality of interface units includes a first interface unit and a second interface unit. Each of the first interface unit and the second interface unit are configured to accept from a user an operation to adjust the focal distance. Each of the first interface unit and the second interface unit are configured to be operated around the optical axis.