Lens Barrel Radial Downsizing via Axial Pressurization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing lens barrel with a linear vibration actuator increases in radial dimension due to the structural members required for applying pressure, making it difficult to downsize and integrate into cameras effectively.
Innovation Solution
A lens barrel design that incorporates a linear vibration actuator with a vibrating element, a relative motion member, and a pressurizing mechanism, where the pressure force is applied tangentially to the circumference, allowing the lens ring to move linearly along the optical axis without increasing the radial dimension, utilizing a linear guide and a pressurizing spring to transmit the driving force efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If structural members are disposed radially outward to apply pressure force between vibrating element and relative motion member, then the pressure force is effectively applied, but the radial dimension of the lens barrel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressurizing mechanism changes the direction of force application from radial to axial dimension. The spring member applies pressure force in the axial direction between the vibrating element and relative motion member, eliminating the need for radially outward structural members and preventing radial dimension increase.
Solution Approach 2:
A spring member is introduced as an intermediary element to apply the pressure force. This spring member is disposed between the vibrating element and relative motion member in the axial direction, serving as a mediator that transmits the necessary pressure force without requiring radial structural members.
2Area of stationary object
If the lens barrel is downsized by reducing radial dimension, then compactness is improved, but the ability to effectively apply pressure force between vibrating elements and relative motion member deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The solution transfers the force application from the radial dimension to the axial dimension. By disposing the pressurizing mechanism axially rather than radially, the system maintains effective pressure force application while enabling radial downsizing for compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring member provides a dynamic, flexible pressurizing mechanism that can effectively apply pressure force within the constrained axial space. The elastic nature of the spring allows it to maintain consistent pressure force without requiring large radial dimensions.
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
This design enables a compact, downsized lens barrel with reduced sliding resistance and efficient linear movement of the AF lens, preventing radial expansion and allowing for better integration into camera systems.
Implementation Method 1
generates a progressive vibration wave (below abbreviated as 'progressive wave') at a driving face of an elastic body utilizing the expansion and contraction of a piezoelectric body
Implementation Method 2
a pressurizing mechanism which comprises a pressurizing spring that applies, to the vibrating element, a pressure force in an axial direction
Data Source
AI summary
A lens barrel includes a linear vibration actuator and a lens ring. The linear vibration actuator includes a vibrating element, relative motion member and pressurizing mechanism. The vibrating element generates a driving force at a driving face in parallel with an optical axis by oscillation of an electromechanical conversion element. The relative motion member is in pressure contact with the driving face and linearly moves in parallel with the optical axis with respect to the vibrating element. The pressurizing mechanism applies a pressure force between the driving face and the relative motion member. The lens ring holds a photographic lens and is linearly moved by the relative motion member in parallel with the optical axis. The linear vibration actuator includes a first linear guide receiving the pressure force applied to the relative motion member, and the lens ring includes a second linear guide guiding the lens ring to linearly move.