Lens Barrel Impact Absorption via Radial Gap Constraint
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical apparatuses, such as digital cameras, face challenges in reducing impact force transmission to the inside components without increasing the total length of the lens barrel, as cushioning members absorb impact forces by collapsing, necessitating larger sizes which can elongate the device.
Innovation Solution
The optical apparatus incorporates a protrusion on the cam barrel and a recess on the frame member with a smaller second gap between them, along with an elastic member and a restriction member, to absorb and redirect impact forces effectively, reducing the transmission of impact forces to the inside components without increasing the overall length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a cushioning member is installed to absorb impact force, then impact force transmission is reduced, but the total length of the lens barrel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a radial dimension solution by providing a restriction member that extends radially outward to engage with the cam barrel, rather than only using axial dimension (lengthening the cushioning member). The restriction member has a restriction surface that contacts the cam barrel's restriction surface, creating a constraint mechanism in the radial direction that prevents excessive compression of the elastic member, thereby absorbing impact without increasing axial length
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of gap distance between the extension lens barrel and frame member. By controlling the first gap (between extension lens barrel and frame member) and second gap (between protrusion and recess), the system optimizes the compression distance of the elastic member. This parameter control allows the elastic member to absorb impact force within a limited axial space without requiring excessive length
2Reliability
If the cushioning member is made larger to enhance impact absorption, then impact force prevention is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The restriction member extends in the radial direction (perpendicular to the optical axis) to provide impact absorption functionality without increasing the axial length (optical axis direction) of the lens barrel. This radial extension allows the cushioning structure to be compact in the axial dimension while still providing sufficient impact absorption volume through radial projection
Solution Approach 2:
The cushioning function is segmented between two components: the elastic member (coil spring) that provides the cushioning force, and the restriction member that limits the compression distance. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the elastic member can be compact while the restriction member provides the necessary constraint, together achieving reliable impact prevention without excessive volume
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 configuration allows for the reduction of impact force transmission to the inside components of the optical apparatus without lengthening the device, enhancing the absorption of impact forces and preventing damage to critical components like the cam barrel and reduction gear.
Implementation Method 1
a coil spring installed between the frame body and the optical member holding unit so as to urge the frame body and the optical member holding unit to be away from each other in the optical axis direction
Implementation Method 2
when a coil spring is lengthened
Data Source
AI summary
An optical apparatus and an image pickup apparatus capable of reducing an impact force transmitted to an inside without increasing a total length is provided. A frame member which moves forward and backward in the optical axis direction integrally with an extension lens barrel has a recess facing a protrusion of a cam barrel in a radial direction. An elastic member urges the extension lens barrel and the frame member to be away from each other in the optical axis direction. A restriction member holds the frame member with a first gap formed between the extension lens barrel and the frame member in the optical axis direction. A second gap formed between the protrusion and the recess in the optical axis direction is smaller than the first gap.