Lens Barrel Locking Mechanism for Power-Off Lens Holder Movement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Lens holders in lens barrels experience uncontrolled movement during power-off due to insufficient holding strength, leading to potential damage and noise from vibrations or shocks, necessitating a mechanism to transition to a regulated state.
Innovation Solution
A lens barrel with a locking mechanism using an electromagnetic actuator that regulates movement via magnetic force, transitioning the lens holder to a locked state by reducing or eliminating attraction force through controlled energization of a solenoid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a linear motor is used to obtain responsiveness and thrust for lens movement, then the lens moving mechanism achieves high responsiveness and thrust, but the holding strength in power-off state becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning the locking mechanism between two states: energized (attracting force active) and non-energized (attracting force inactive). During power-off or abnormal conditions, the mechanism dynamically switches to the non-energized state to provide passive holding strength, while during normal operation it switches to the energized state for responsive lens movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic parameter (attracting force) of the locking mechanism based on operational requirements. By controlling the energization state of the electromagnetic actuator, the attracting force parameter is adjusted: high attracting force during normal operation for quick response, and zero attracting force during power-off for passive holding capability.
2Reliability
If the locking mechanism maintains strong attracting force to prevent lens holder movement, then holding strength is improved, but the lens holder cannot be moved to the locked state during power-off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using intermittent energization of the locking mechanism. The electromagnetic actuator is energized only when needed (during normal operation) and non-energized during power-off conditions, creating a periodic on/off pattern that balances holding strength with the ability to transition states.
3Reliability
If the lens holder is moved directly to the locked state during power-off, then the transition to movement regulated state is achieved, but abnormal noise or mechanism breakage may occur due to uncontrolled movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by positioning the lens holder at a preparation position before the locked state, rather than directly at the locked state. This intermediate positioning allows the lens holder to approach the locked state in a controlled manner, preventing sudden impacts that would cause abnormal noise or mechanism breakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by moving the lens holder to a preparation position first, before completing the transition to the locked state. This preliminary positioning action ensures that the lens holder is ready for locking without the risk of uncontrolled movement or impact during the power-off transition.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Prevents unprepared movement of lens holders, ensuring safe storage and reducing mechanical stress during power-off conditions by effectively locking the lens in place.
Implementation Method 1
the locking mechanism includes an electromagnetic actuator that regulates movement of the lens holder by using attraction produced by magnetic force
Implementation Method 2
a solenoid employed as the electromagnetic actuator is configured to achieve attraction by using magnetic force during non-energization, and reduce or eliminate attracting force by applying current to a coil
Data Source
AI summary
A lens barrel includes a lens drive unit that moves a lens holder holding a lens in an optical axis direction, a locking mechanism that regulates movement of the lens holder at a movable end of the lens holder, and a control unit that performs, as a shift process for shifting the lens holder to a movement regulated state produced by the locking mechanism, control for moving the lens holder by using the lens drive unit to a position where movement regulation is achieved by the locking mechanism in a state where movement regulating force generated by the locking mechanism is reduced.