Nested Lens Barrel with Off-Axis Drive for Shake Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interchangeable lens cameras face challenges in smoothly changing lenses while maintaining effective shake correction mechanisms, as existing systems often require complex integration of drive units and engagement systems that complicate the attachment and detachment of lens barrels with camera bodies.
Innovation Solution
A camera system design featuring a first barrel with a first engagement unit, a second barrel with a second engagement unit and an optical system, and a drive unit that allows the second barrel to rotate about an axis different from the optical axis, enabling smooth attachment and detachment of lens barrels with camera bodies while maintaining shake correction capabilities through integral drive mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lens barrel is designed to be interchangeable with a camera body, then ease of operation for lens changes is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for engagement units and drive mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the second barrel is positioned inside the first barrel, and the drive unit is housed within the lens barrel assembly. The engagement units are integrated into the barrel structures themselves, creating a compact nested arrangement that reduces overall complexity while maintaining interchangeability functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The drive unit serves multiple functions: it drives the second barrel relative to the first barrel for shake correction, and also enables the attachment and detachment of the lens barrel from the camera body through the engagement units. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms, thereby reducing complexity while improving ease of operation
2Reliability
If a shake correction mechanism with two drive units is implemented, then reliability of shake correction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the shake correction function with the lens attachment/detachment function by integrating the drive unit to control both the second barrel's movement for shake correction and the engagement units for mounting operations. This consolidation reduces the number of separate drive units needed while maintaining reliable shake correction capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single drive unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it drives the second barrel relative to the first barrel for shake correction during operation, and also facilitates the attachment and detachment of the lens barrel through the engagement units. This multi-functional design reduces complexity while preserving reliability
3Ease of operation
If the second barrel is driven in a direction of rotation about an axis different from the optical axis, then ease of operation for shake correction is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements rotation about an axis different from the optical axis (a non-coincident axis), which adds a dimensional aspect to the shake correction mechanism. This allows the second barrel to rotate in a direction that facilitates easier operation for shake correction while the engagement units are designed to accommodate this specific rotation pattern, managing the precision requirements through integrated design
Data Source
AI summary
A camera system and a lens barrel are provided in an exchangeable-lens camera including a shake correction mechanism that integrally drives a lens barrel and an imaging unit, it being possible for lenses to be exchanged smoothly, and greater utility and convenience to be obtained. A lens barrel to and from which a camera body can be attached and detached, wherein the lens barrel includes: a first barrel having a first engagement part that engages with a first part of the camera body; a second barrel disposed inside the first barrel, the second barrel having a second engagement part that engages with a second part of the camera body, and having an optical system; and a drive unit that drives the second barrel in relation to the first barrel.