Lens Barrel Restriction Mechanism for Quiet Dial Locking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lens barrels and imaging devices produce operation sounds when operation members are put into restriction states, which can be disruptive, especially during video imaging, and may cause unwanted movement of optical components.

Innovation Solution

A lens barrel design featuring a restriction mechanism with a first member and a second member, each with inclined surfaces, that frictionally locks an operation member into a restriction state through pressure engagement and release, minimizing operation sounds and preventing optical axis movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional locking mechanism is used to restrict the operation member, then the operation member can be reliably restricted, but operation sounds are generated and screen shaking occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of operation member restrictionVSAvoidoperation sound and screen shaking

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical locking mechanism (which generates impact sounds) with a friction-based restriction mechanism. The operation member is restricted through frictional force between the operation member and the restriction member, rather than through mechanical engagement and disengagement, thereby eliminating operation sounds and screen shaking during video imaging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If friction-based restriction is used, then operation sounds are suppressed, but the restriction force may be insufficient compared to mechanical locking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation sound suppressionVSAvoidrestriction force strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the friction coefficient between the operation member and restriction member through material selection and surface treatment. By optimizing the frictional characteristics, the mechanism achieves sufficient restriction force to prevent operation member movement during video imaging while maintaining operation sound suppression.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If additional locking mechanisms are added to improve restriction reliability, then operation member stability increases, but device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation member stabilityVSAvoidnumber of locking mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the restriction function directly into the operation member structure itself, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms. The operation member includes a restriction portion that directly interacts with the restriction member, integrating multiple functions into a single component and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The operation member serves multiple functions: it operates the imaging device normally and simultaneously includes a restriction portion that enables friction-based restriction. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated locking mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining operational stability during video imaging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The design suppresses operation sounds and prevents screen shaking during video imaging by frictionally locking the operation member, allowing for miniaturization and improved design freedom without the need for additional locking mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

The second member preferably puts the operation member into a restriction state by frictionally locking the operation member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12493162B2Lens barrel and imaging device

Publication Date: 2025.12.09 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

A lens barrel has a dial operation member that adjusts an optical function of an imaging optical system, a restriction operation member having a first inclined surface inclined with respect to a movement direction from a release position toward a restriction position, and a cam member provided between the restriction operation member and the dial operation member and having a second inclined surface. In a case where the restriction operation member is moved to the release position, the dial operation member is put into a release state. In a case where the restriction operation member is in the restriction position, the cam member puts the dial operation member into a restriction state.