Lens Locking Assembly for Precise Focus and Moisture Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lens tube adjustment and locking processes in aircraft cameras are time-consuming and difficult due to thread clearances, requiring repeated adjustments and lacking effective moisture resistance.
Innovation Solution
A positional lens locking assembly with a sealing mechanism and positional locking mechanism that includes elastomeric members and a fastener to secure the lens tube in focus without hysteresis, providing a water-tight seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a threaded lens tube is rotated in a threaded bore for focus adjustment, then focus can be changed, but repeated readjustment is required due to thread clearance
Solution Approach 1:
A rotation dampener (O-ring) is introduced as an intermediary element between the lens tube threads and the threaded bore. This dampener fills the clearance gap and provides consistent friction contact, eliminating the need for repeated readjustment while maintaining smooth focus adjustment operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the thread interface by introducing a compliant rotational dampener that transforms the clearance-based interaction into a contact-based interaction. This parameter change in the friction and contact characteristics eliminates hysteresis and ensures consistent focus positioning.
2Ease of operation
If a rotation dampener is disposed around threads to aid focusing, then focus adjustment is improved, but tactile feedback varies depending on rotation direction
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation dampener is extracted from the thread interface and repositioned to the shoulder surface of the lens tube. This relocation removes the dampener from the rotational friction path, eliminating variable tactile feedback while preserving the focus adjustment benefit through the sealing and positioning function.
3Reliability
If sealing mechanisms are implemented to prevent moisture intrusion, then protection from moisture is improved, but the sealing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation dampener O-ring serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a rotational dampener to control friction during focus adjustment, provides a seal to prevent moisture intrusion, and maintains positioning stability. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sealing components, reducing overall device complexity.
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
Enables easy and precise focus adjustment with secure locking and moisture resistance, ensuring clear images and protecting the camera assembly from environmental moisture intrusion.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing member is disposed between the head and the camera housing and is configured to be compressed between the head and the camera housing
Implementation Method 2
Rotating the lens tube includes engaging threads of the lens tube with threads of a first bore in a camera housing
Implementation Method 3
Locking the lens tube in the position of focus includes fixing the threads of the first bore against threads of the lens tube
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A positional lens locking assembly for focusing and maintaining focus of a camera lens assembly includes a lens tube, a camera housing, a sealing member, and a locking member. The lens tube has a head and a barrel. The head extends outward from the barrel and the barrel has a threaded portion. The camera housing has a first threaded bore configured to receive the threaded portion of the barrel. The sealing member is disposed between the head and the camera housing and is configured to be compressed between the head and the camera housing. The locking member is configured to retain the lens tube in a position.