Lens Barrel Stopper Mechanism Against Accidental Camera Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cameras with extendable lens barrels are prone to accidental extension due to external impacts, leading to potential damage and unintended battery consumption.
Innovation Solution
A camera design incorporating a guide groove, engagement protrusion, switch spring, drive lever, stopper, and stopper urging spring to control lens barrel movement, preventing accidental extension by using a restraint portion to restrict movement of the engagement protrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lens barrel is allowed to extend freely in response to spring urging, then the camera can be activated easily, but the lens barrel may extend accidentally under external impact causing damage and battery consumption
Solution Approach 1:
A switch component acts as an intermediary between the lens barrel extension mechanism and the camera activation system. The switch is positioned to detect the lens barrel's extension state and only allows camera activation when the lens barrel is properly extended through user operation, preventing accidental activation while maintaining easy operation through the mechanical linkage
Solution Approach 2:
The switch component is pre-configured to prevent camera activation before the lens barrel reaches the proper extension position. This preliminary check ensures that even if external impact causes the lens barrel to extend, the camera will not activate unless the user deliberately triggers the mechanism through the operation button
2Device complexity
If the lens barrel extension mechanism is simplified, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to prevent accidental extension under impact is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The switch component serves as a simple intermediary element that adds minimal complexity to the extension mechanism while providing robust protection against external impact. The switch integrates seamlessly with the existing spring-based extension system without requiring complex sensors or control systems
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
Prevents lens barrel extension accidents, reducing damage and battery consumption by ensuring controlled movement of the lens barrel, even under external impact.
Implementation Method 1
a switch spring extending between a spring engagement portion in the barrel and the engagement protrusion on the lens barrel
Implementation Method 2
a stopper urging spring urging the stopper in a stopper urging direction
Implementation Method 3
a button urging spring urging the operation member in a direction opposite to the operation direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A camera prevents a lens barrel from extending accidentally upon receiving, for example, an external impact. A camera (1) includes a barrel (22) having a guide groove (24) extending in X-direction, a lens barrel (10) including an engagement protrusion (14) protruding radially outward and engaged with the guide groove (24) on the barrel (22), a switch spring (40) extending between a spring engagement portion (26) and the engagement protrusion (14), a drive lever (50) rotatable about a lever shaft (28), a stopper (60) rotatable about a stopper shaft (51) in the drive lever (50), and a stopper urging spring (70) urging the stopper (60). The drive lever (50) includes a pusher (55) that pushes the engagement protrusion (14) in the positive X-direction and a rotation restrictor (57) that restricts rotation of the stopper (60). The stopper (60) includes a restraint portion (65) that is to be on a path of the engagement protrusion (14) to restrain movement of the engagement protrusion (14) in the positive X-direction when the drive lever (50) is at an initial position.