Lens Barrel Spring Engagement for Compact Optical Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interchangeable lenses with tension coil springs face challenges in efficiently holding and biasing lens barrels due to complex engagement mechanisms that increase device size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A novel engagement mechanism using a tension coil spring with specific engagement portions and states allows for efficient biasing and holding of lens barrels, minimizing assembly space and reducing device size by hiding the spring components within the optical axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tension coil spring is used to bias and hold the lens barrel, then the lens barrel can be stably held, but the device size and complexity increase due to complex engagement mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism is segmented into multiple discrete engagement portions (first, second, third, fourth engagement portions) that can independently engage with corresponding portions on the lens barrel. This segmentation allows each portion to perform a specific function, simplifying the overall design while maintaining reliable holding capability through the distributed engagement points.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member is designed with a changeable second engagement portion that can transition between a first state (engaged with the fourth engagement portion) and a second state (engaged with the fifth engagement portion). This dynamic state changeability allows the mechanism to adapt between different engagement configurations, reducing complexity by using a single movable component rather than multiple fixed components.
2Reliability
If complex engagement mechanisms are used to ensure stable biasing, then reliable holding is achieved, but the outer dimensions of the device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement portions are nested within the structural components of the lens assembly. The first and second engagement portions are integrated into the biasing member, while the third and fourth engagement portions are incorporated into the lens barrel structure. This nesting allows the engagement mechanisms to be housed within existing structural spaces, avoiding additional outer dimensions while maintaining stable biasing through the interlocked engagement portions.
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 solution achieves reduced size and weight of the optical instrument by optimizing the engagement of the tension coil spring, ensuring stable biasing without increasing the device's outer dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
a tension coil spring that biases and holds a lens barrel
Data Source
AI summary
An optical instrument includes a first part configured to hold an optical element; a second part configured to hold the first part; and a biasing member including a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion. One of the first part and the second part includes a third engagement portion engageable with the first engagement portion and a fourth engagement portion engageable with the second engagement portion. The other one of the first part and the second part includes a fifth engagement portion engageable with the second engagement portion. The second engagement portion is changeable between a first state in which the second engagement portion is engaged with the fourth engagement portion and a second state in which the second engagement portion is engaged with the fifth engagement portion. In the second state, the first part and the second part are mutually biased by the biasing member.