Lens Module Screw Hole Orientation for Compact Size
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compact image pickup apparatuses face challenges in reducing size due to the need for increased radial thickness of the circumferential wall portion to secure the depth of the screw hole, which restricts the miniaturization of the device.
Innovation Solution
The lens module incorporates a barrel member with first convex portions to fix the lens at multiple locations in the circumferential direction, an operating member with a second convex portion, and a fixed member that restricts the rotation range of the operating member, allowing for a screw hole in the radial direction without increasing the outer diameter, thus maintaining a compact size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the radial thickness of the circumferential wall portion is increased to secure the depth of the screw hole, then the screw hole depth is sufficient, but the device size cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orientation of the screw hole from a radial direction (requiring radial thickness) to an axial direction (utilizing the length dimension of the operating member). This dimensional transition allows the screw hole to achieve sufficient depth without increasing the radial thickness of the circumferential wall, thereby resolving the contradiction between screw hole depth and device size.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing the radial thickness to achieve screw hole depth, the patent inverts the approach by forming the screw hole in the axial direction of the operating member. This inversion allows the screw hole to be formed through the length of the operating member rather than through the radial thickness of the circumferential wall, thus achieving sufficient depth without increasing device size.
2Volume of moving object
If the operating member is made compact, then the device size is reduced, but the screw hole depth becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the axial dimension of the operating member to form the screw hole, rather than relying on the radial dimension. This allows the screw hole to achieve sufficient depth even when the operating member has a compact radial profile, thus resolving the contradiction between compact size and screw hole depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of the screw hole from radial to axial, and adjusts the length parameter of the operating member to provide sufficient screw hole depth. This parameter transformation allows the operating member to maintain a compact overall size while providing adequate screw hole depth in the axial direction.
Data Source
AI summary
A lens module includes a lens unit that includes a barrel member that holds a lens, and an operating member fixed to an outer circumference of the barrel member, a holding member that rotatably holds the lens unit, and a fixed member fixed to the operating member with a screw. The barrel member includes first convex portions configured to fix the lens at a plurality of locations in a circumferential direction. The operating member includes a second convex portion disposed between the first convex portions in the circumferential direction. A screw hole into which the screw is screwed is formed in a radial direction at a portion in the circumferential direction of the operating member, in which the second convex portion is provided.