Lens Barrel Operation Member for Seamless Focus Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lens barrels lack a seamless mechanism for switching between automatic and manual focusing modes, and for precise focus adjustment, often requiring separate rings and complex mechanisms that are not user-friendly or efficient.
Innovation Solution
A lens barrel design featuring a movable operation member that can be rotated to engage and disengage with a turning member, using detection means to compute and control the focusing lens position, allowing for automatic, manual, and distance-specified focusing modes through a single operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate manual focus ring and focus switching ring are used, then focusing modes can be switched, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the manual focus ring and focus switching ring into a single integrated operation member. This operation member can perform both focusing mode switching and focus adjustment functions, eliminating the need for separate rings and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation member is designed with dynamic functionality that changes based on its position. When moved to a first position, it enables manual focusing mode; when moved to a second position, it enables automatic focusing mode. This dynamic behavior allows one component to replace multiple static components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate rings are used for mode switching and focus adjustment, then focusing functions are complete, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex操作流程
Solution Approach 1:
The single operation member is designed to perform multiple functions: it can switch between manual and automatic focusing modes by moving along the optical axis, and it can also perform focus adjustment by rotating around the optical axis. This multi-functionality simplifies the user interface while maintaining complete focusing capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If a single operation member is used for both mode switching and focus adjustment, then ease of operation improves, but detection precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a turning member as an intermediary between the operation member and the detection means. The turning member engages with the operation member when it is in the second position (automatic focusing mode) and transmits rotational information to the first detection means, enabling precise detection of turning position for focus adjustment while keeping the operation member's structure simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A lens barrel includes a fixed portion with an optical system including a focusing lens. An operation member is placed so as to be movable to first and second positions along an optical axis of the fixed portion, and turnable around the optical axis at the first and second positions. A turning member turns along with the operation member when moved to the second position, and does not operate with the operation member when moved from the second position to the first position. Positioning means position the operation member at the first or second position through a plurality of balls. When the operation member is at the first position it is urged to the first position by the plurality of balls. When the operation member is at the second position, it is urged to the second position by the plurality of balls.