Lens Holding Frame with Elastic Abutments for Vibration Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lens units face vibration issues due to gaps between the outer tube and the lens holding frame, leading to unstable image formation on image sensors, and current solutions complicate the structure with additional components.

Innovation Solution

A lens unit design incorporating a flexible frame body with cantilevered beam structures that elastically deform to abut the outer tube, preventing vibration without increasing the number of components, using a tubular shape and protruding structures to stabilize the lens holding frame.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a vibration control member such as an elastic ring is added to suppress vibration of the lens holding frame, then vibration is suppressed, but the structure becomes complicated and large in size with an increase in the number of components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration suppressionVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration control function is merged with the lens holding frame by integrating the elastic protrusions directly into the frame structure. This eliminates the need for separate vibration control members while maintaining the vibration suppression function, thereby reducing component count and structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lens holding frame serves dual functions: it holds the lens optical system and simultaneously controls vibration through its integrated elastic protrusions. The frame's own structural elements (the elastic protrusions) provide the vibration control function, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating additional components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a vibration control member such as an elastic ring is added to suppress vibration of the lens holding frame, then vibration is suppressed, but the size increases with an increase in the number of components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration suppressionVSAvoidlens unit size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration control function is merged with the lens holding frame by integrating the elastic protrusions directly into the frame structure. This eliminates the need for separate vibration control members while maintaining the vibration suppression function, thereby reducing component count and structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic protrusions function as flexible structural elements within the lens holding frame. These thin, flexible features provide vibration control without adding significant volume, as they deform elastically to absorb vibrations rather than requiring bulky damping materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If a vibration control member such as an elastic ring is added to suppress vibration of the lens holding frame, then vibration is suppressed, but assembling properties are deteriorated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration suppressionVSAvoidassembling properties

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration control function is merged with the lens holding frame by integrating the elastic protrusions directly into the frame structure. This eliminates the need for separate vibration control members while maintaining the vibration suppression function, thereby reducing component count and structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lens holding frame serves dual functions: it holds the lens optical system and simultaneously controls vibration through its integrated elastic protrusions. The frame's own structural elements (the elastic protrusions) provide the vibration control function, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating additional components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 effectively suppresses vibration and maintains structural simplicity by integrating the beam structures into the lens holding frame, enhancing image stability and reducing component costs while ensuring smooth focus adjustment.

Implementation Method 1

The elastic ring is pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the outer tube in a case where the lens holding frame is mounted into the outer tube. Accordingly, vibration of the lens holding frame caused by the gap between the outer circumferential surface of the lens holding frame and the inner circumferential surface of the outer tube is suppressed.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11150436B2Lens unit

Publication Date: 2021.10.19 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

The lens holding frame is accommodated in the outer tube and is movable with respect to the outer tube in an optical axis direction (OAD) parallel to an optical axis of a lens optical system. The intermediate holding frame is a flexible frame body that constitutes the lens holding frame, is formed of a flexible material, and has a tubular shape. The intermediate holding frame is integrally provided with beam structures as abutments. The beam structures abut onto an inner circumferential surface of the outer tube in a state of being elastically deformed such that a restoring force is generated and prevent vibration caused by a gap between an outer circumferential surface of the lens holding frame and an inner circumferential surface of the outer tube.