Lens Barrel Focus Ring Integration for Operability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital camera lens barrels have poor operability due to the separate placement of AF/MF changeover switches and exposure setting dials, leading to increased parts and complexity in assembly and maintenance, with manual operating members not being optimally integrated for user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A lens barrel design with a cylindrical focus ring and aperture ring that serve dual functions as operating members and mode switches, allowing for manual focusing and aperture control without requiring users to remove their hand, integrated with a control system that detects rotation angles to generate control signals for moving lens units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If AF/MF changeover switch and exposure setting dial are placed separately, then switching between modes is possible, but operability deteriorates and parts quantity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the AF/MF changeover switch and exposure setting dial into a single integrated operating member. This operating member has a first operating section for focus mode switching and a second operating section for exposure mode switching, allowing both functions to be performed from one component rather than requiring separate switches and dials.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated operating member serves multiple functions: it acts as both the AF/MF changeover switch and the exposure setting dial. By making this single component universal, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing parts quantity while maintaining full operational capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate operating members are used for focus and aperture control, then dedicated control is possible, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the focus control ring and aperture control ring into a single integrated operating member with distinct operating sections. The first operating section controls focus modes while the second operating section controls exposure modes, providing dedicated control functionality within a unified structure that reduces overall device complexity.
3Productivity
If multiple separate operating members are provided, then specific functions can be controlled independently, but assembly and maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple operating members into one integrated component, the patent reduces the number of assembly steps required and simplifies maintenance procedures. Instead of assembling and aligning multiple separate rings and switches, the integrated operating member can be installed as a single unit, significantly improving assembly efficiency and ease of repair.
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
Enhances user operability by allowing seamless switching between focus and aperture modes without hand removal, reduces parts, and simplifies assembly and maintenance by integrating functions within the lens barrel's cylindrical shape.
Implementation Method 1
angle detection means for outputting a signal in accordance with an angle of rotation of the first operating member
Data Source
AI summary
It is an object of the present invention to provide a lens barrel in which operability for a user is increased and a reduction in parts is achieved while provided with a manual operating member. There is provided the lens barrel that is provided with an imaging optical system for forming an optical image of an object, a focus lens unit which is included in the imaging optical system and capable of changing an object distance by moving in a direction parallel to an optical axis of the imaging optical system, moving means for moving the focus lens unit in the direction parallel to the optical axis, driving means for driving the moving means, a focus ring which is of a cylindrical shape coaxial to the optical axis of the imaging optical system and manually operated in a rotational manner in order to drive the driving means to thereby move the focus lens unit by the moving means, and a focus mode switching button which is integrally provided in the focus, and operated in order to switch between a state of allowing a manual rotating operation of the focus ring and a state of preventing the manual rotating operation.