Lens Barrel Eccentricity Adjustment via Through-Hole Jig Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lens barrels are unable to facilitate eccentricity adjustment of lenses attached to inner lens frames among a plurality of lens frames disposed in the optical axis direction.

Innovation Solution

A lens barrel design that includes a cylindrical first lens frame, a second lens frame, a third lens frame, an insertion hole, and a joint, allowing for eccentricity adjustment of the third lens frame by inserting a jig through the insertion hole and fixing it to the first lens frame using the joint.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional lens adjusting mechanism is used for two lens holding members, then eccentricity adjustment is achieved between those two members, but it cannot be applied to eccentricity adjustment of inner lens frames among a plurality of lens frames

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplicability to inner lens framesVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism is designed to be universally applicable to any lens frame within the plurality of lens frames. The through-hole structure allows adjustment of inner lens frames without requiring different mechanisms for different positions, making the same structural approach work for multiple lens frames throughout the optical system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The inner lens frame is positioned within the outer lens frame structure, with the through-hole passing through the outer lens frame to access the inner lens frame. This nested arrangement allows the adjustment mechanism to reach inner components through outer components without increasing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Manufacturing precision

If adjustment access is provided for inner lens frames, then optical axis adjustment capability is improved, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical axis adjustment precisionVSAvoidlens frame structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment function is extracted and concentrated into a simple through-hole structure that passes through the outer lens frame. This extracted approach provides adjustment access without adding complex mechanisms, keeping the overall structure simple while achieving precise optical axis adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The outer lens frame acts as an intermediary structure that contains the through-hole, allowing adjustment tools to access the inner lens frame. This intermediary approach enables precise adjustment of inner components while maintaining the integrity and simplicity of the overall lens frame structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3270204B1Lens barrel and optical axis adjustment method
Publication Date: 2025.01.22 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3270204B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3270204B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3270204B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Lens barrel (10) includes first group lens frame unit (11), second group lens frame unit (12), lens frame (16), insertion hole (11c), and depressions (11ab, 16ca). First group lens frame unit (11) holds lenses (L1 to L3). Second group lens frame unit (12) holds lens (L5). Lens frame (16) is disposed between first group lens frame unit (11) and second group lens frame unit (12) on an inner circumference side of first group lens frame unit (11) through radial clearance (G). Insertion hole (11c) is provided on an outer peripheral surface of first group lens frame unit (11), and a jig of lens frame (16) is inserted into insertion hole (11c). Depressions (11ab, 16ca) are provided at a position accessible from an outside in a state where first group, second group lens frame units (11), (12) and lens frame (16) are assembled, and fix lens frame (16) to first group lens frame unit (11).