Lens Barrel Linear Guide Segmentation for Compact Optical Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing lens barrel designs face challenges in reducing size while maintaining the strength of components to accommodate inner moving groups, as the arrangement of grooves and pins requires sufficient strength and space, making it difficult to minimize the diameter of the rotatable barrel and fixed frame.
Innovation Solution
The lens barrel incorporates linear guide concave and convex parts dispersed on multiple frames to allow movement along the optical axis, enabling notch formations that increase internal space without compromising strength, allowing for a smaller diameter and more compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the groove part and linear groove are arranged across each other to engage the driving pin, then the engagement strength is sufficient, but the width of the groove part or linear groove must be increased, requiring more space in the fixed frame or rotatable barrel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the linear groove into multiple segments (first linear groove and second linear groove) that are arranged in different directions. The driving pin engages with both segments simultaneously, distributing the engagement load across multiple contact points. This segmentation allows the grooves to be narrower individually while maintaining sufficient total engagement strength, thereby reducing the space required in the fixed frame or rotatable barrel.
2Strength
If the sidewall of the rotatable barrel is made continuous throughout the circumference to prevent deformation, then the strength is sufficient for linear movement, but it is difficult to reduce the size of the lens barrel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single continuous sidewall into multiple separate sidewalls (first sidewall and second sidewall) that are arranged in different directions. Each sidewall provides structural support for linear movement, while the spaces between them create notches that can accommodate inner components. This segmentation maintains sufficient strength for linear movement while reducing the overall volume of the rotatable barrel and lens barrel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the circumferential dimension to arrange multiple sidewalls and notches, transforming the problem from a single-dimensional continuous wall to a multi-dimensional structure. By distributing sidewalls around the circumference and creating notches between them, the design achieves both strength and space efficiency by utilizing three-dimensional space more effectively.
3Volume of stationary object
If a notch shape is formed in the sidewall by removing a portion to reduce size, then space for inner components is increased, but it may be difficult to guarantee sufficient strength for linear movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent strategically segments the sidewall by removing portions to form notches, but maintains multiple remaining sidewall sections that continue to provide structural support. The first sidewall and second sidewall are positioned to collectively bear the loads during linear movement, compensating for the material removed in the notches. This segmented approach optimizes the balance between creating space for inner components and maintaining sufficient strength.
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~3b
Figure 4a~5
AI summary
There are provided a lens barrel and an optical device having small sizes by saving a space for inner components such as a moving group while stably retaining and moving the inner components. The lens barrel retains lenses while allowing movement along an optical axis. The lens barrel includes: a first frame; a second frame positioned inside the first frame; and n linear guide structures configured to allow movement of the second frame relative to the first frame along the optical axis, wherein the n linear guide structures include: n linear guide concave parts spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction around the optical axis and extending along the optical axis; and n linear guide convex parts engaging with the n linear guide concave parts in a relatively movable manner, wherein some of the n linear guide concave parts are provided on the first frame, and the others of the n linear guide concave parts are provided on the second frame (n is an integer equal to or greater than 2).