Lens Barrel Focus Ring Integration for Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing lens barrel design with separate switches for auto-focus and manual focus modes results in poor operability, requiring users to temporarily release the focus ring to switch modes, which is cumbersome, especially when looking through a finder.

Innovation Solution

The lens barrel integrates a focus grip with a fixing button that allows users to switch between manual and auto-focus modes without releasing the focus ring, using a fixing section that restricts the focus ring's rotation within specific ranges to facilitate easy switching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the switch and focus ring are separately provided, then the structure is simple, but the operability is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveoperabilityVSAvoidstructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switch is integrated into the focus ring, combining two previously separate components into one. The switch operates as a pushing section within the focus ring structure, allowing mode switching and focus adjustment to be performed through a single component interface, thereby improving operability without significantly complicating the overall structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If the user releases hand from focus ring to operate switch, then the switch can be operated, but the operation becomes troublesome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of switchingVSAvoidtime for mode switching

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The switch is embedded within the focus ring structure, allowing the user to operate the switch while maintaining contact with the focus ring. This integration eliminates the need to release the hand from the focus ring to switch modes, thereby reducing the time and effort required for mode switching

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the focus ring can rotate freely, then focus adjustment is easy, but accidental mode changes occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of focus adjustmentVSAvoidmode stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The focus ring incorporates a switching mechanism that changes its operational characteristics based on the direction of rotation. When rotated in the first direction, the ring moves between manual focus and auto-focus modes. When rotated in the second direction, the switching mechanism restricts rotation to prevent accidental mode changes, while still allowing smooth focus adjustment within the selected mode

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3270205B1Lens barrel

Publication Date: 2023.10.18 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

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AI summary

Lens barrel (1) according to the present exemplary embodiment is provided with lens unit (10), stationary frame (17), focus ring (12), focus grip (20), and a fixing section. Lens unit (10) has an optical system. Stationary frame (17) supports lens unit (10) to be movable in a direction of optical axis X of the optical system. Focus ring (12) is disposed on an outer circumferential side of lens unit (10), and is rotated when focus adjustment is manually performed. Focus grip (20) is provided to protrude outwardly from focus ring (12), and operated for rotating focus ring (12). The fixing section fixes focus ring (12) to stationary frame (17) when focus adjustment is automatically performed. The fixing section has fixing button (21) which is disposed on focus grip (20) and operated for fixing focus ring (12) to stationary frame (17).