Lens Barrel Miniaturization via Intermediary Light Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lens barrel designs fail to achieve further miniaturization while maintaining optical performance, as they do not adequately consider the configuration with respect to adjacent lens barrels and other optical components, leading to potential collisions and limited clearance optimization.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an annular portion with first protruding portions in specific phases to regulate lens position along the optical axis, accompanied by second protruding portions in adjacent phases, allowing for reduced clearance between lens barrels and preventing collisions through the use of light shielding sheets that also act as shock-absorbing materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the clearance between lens barrels is reduced to achieve miniaturization, then the overall size of the lens system is reduced, but the risk of glass collision increases
Solution Approach 1:
A light shielding sheet is introduced as an intermediary component between adjacent lens barrels. This sheet serves dual functions: it shields light to prevent optical interference and acts as a mechanical buffer to prevent glass collision when lens barrels are in close proximity, thereby enabling miniaturization without compromising reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The light shielding sheet is positioned in advance between the lens barrels to provide cushioning protection. By pre-placing this protective element, the design anticipates potential glass collision and prevents it before occurrence, allowing for reduced clearance while maintaining safety
2Manufacturing precision
If protruding portions are added to regulate lens position, then optical performance is improved through precise positioning, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light shielding sheet is designed with protruding portions that serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides light shielding, acts as a mechanical buffer, and regulates lens position through the protruding structures. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby improving precision without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the light shielding function with the position regulation function into a single integrated component. The protruding portions of the light shielding sheet simultaneously perform optical shielding and mechanical positioning, consolidating multiple functions into one element to balance precision requirements with structural simplicity
Data Source
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AI summary
To provide a lens barrel suitable for miniaturization, in a lens barrel having a first lens barrel that holds a first lens and an optical unit, the first lens barrel and the optical unit are disposed adjacent to each other, an annular portion of the first lens barrel has first protruding portions in two or more phases, the first protruding portion regulates a position of the first lens in an optical axis direction, a second protruding portion of the optical unit is disposed in a phase other than the phase having the first protruding portion, and a part of the first protruding portion and a part of the second protruding portion are disposed in the same plane perpendicular to the optical axis.