Lens Barrel Restriction Mechanism for Quiet Video Operation

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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

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a restriction mechanism is added to lock the operation member, then the operation sound is suppressed, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation soundVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The restriction mechanism is integrated into the existing operation member structure. The first member and second member are combined with the operation member such that the locking function is achieved through the interaction of inclined surfaces within the existing operational components, rather than adding a separate locking mechanism. This merging approach suppresses operation sounds while minimizing increases in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The first member and second member act as intermediary elements between the operation member and the lens barrel main body. These intermediaries include inclined surfaces that engage with each other to provide frictional locking, thereby suppressing operation sounds during video imaging without requiring direct locking between the operation member and the main body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the operation member is restricted during video imaging, then screen shaking is prevented, but the ease of operation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen shakingVSAvoidoperation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The restriction mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed. The first member can move between a restriction position (where frictional locking occurs) and a release position (where the operation member is free to move). This dynamic capability allows the system to prevent screen shaking during video imaging while maintaining ease of operation when the restriction is released.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The frictional locking force is controlled by changing the position parameter of the first member. When the first member is at the restriction position, the inclined surfaces engage to provide sufficient friction to prevent operation member movement and screen shaking. When released, the friction is reduced, allowing easy operation. This parameter-based control balances screen stability with operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

PatentUS20260072238A1Lens barrel and imaging device
Publication Date: 2026.03.12 FUJIFILM CORP
  • US20260072238A1 patent drawing
  • US20260072238A1 patent drawing
  • US20260072238A1 patent drawing

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.