Lens Barrel Actuation via Segmented Transmission Barrel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lens apparatuses face challenges in accurately adjusting light amount due to positional restrictions and component complexity, leading to delays and inaccuracies in aperture diameter changes during focus or zooming operations.
Innovation Solution
A lens apparatus design featuring a fixed barrel, a movable lens barrel, and an actuation transmission barrel that connects the operating members across the optical axis, minimizing component count and ensuring precise alignment through a single-component rotation-translation mechanism, thereby reducing phase shifts and backlash-induced errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a long-arm lever member is used to transmit rotational drive force, then the operating member and movable stop can be connected across the optical element, but tip vibration and distortion occur causing delay and untraceable operation range
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation transmission barrel is divided into multiple sections with openings between engaging portions, allowing the movable lens barrel to pass through while maintaining rotational connection. This segmentation eliminates the need for a long continuous lever arm, preventing vibration and distortion while preserving operational traceability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a long radial lever arm that extends across the optical element, the patent uses an axial arrangement with multiple engaging portions separated in the optical axis direction. This dimensional change from radial to axial configuration eliminates tip vibration while maintaining the connection between operating member and movable stop.
2Reliability
If multiple rod-like members and ring-like members are used to transmit rotational drive force, then distortion and vibration are suppressed, but the number of components increases leading to assembly variations and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple rod-like members and ring-like members are merged into a single integrated actuation transmission barrel. This unified structure eliminates assembly variations between multiple components while maintaining the suppression of distortion and vibration through its rigid construction with strategic openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation transmission barrel performs multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits rotational drive force, suppresses vibration through its rigid structure, provides openings for the movable lens barrel, and maintains precise alignment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the operating member and movable stop are arranged across the optical element, then positional restrictions are satisfied, but a structure for transmitting rotational drive force is required increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation transmission barrel is designed with openings that allow the movable lens barrel to pass through it. This nested arrangement allows the transmission structure to accommodate other moving components within its volume, satisfying positional restrictions while minimizing the overall structural footprint and complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A lens apparatus includes: a fixed barrel with a movable barrel therein holding an optical element and moving along an optical axis; a first operating unit rotatable outside the fixed barrel; a movable stop in the fixed barrel, the stop including a movable unit rotatable to change aperture diameter; a second operating unit outside the fixed barrel; and transmission barrel engaging with the fixed barrel in the fixed barrel and connected to the second operating unit at a first portion and to the movable unit of the stop at a second portion, the transmission barrel having an opening between the first and second portions separated from each other in the optical axis direction, in which the movable barrel is connected to the first operating unit through the opening of the transmission barrel, and moves along the optical axis by a rotation-translation converting mechanism by rotating the first operating unit.