Lens Mount O-Ring Structure for Tilt-Free Camera Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lens mounts in cameras face issues with securing lenses, leading to potential tilting, image distortion, and moisture ingress, while existing solutions like locknuts, spring pressure, and rubber rings either fail to provide stable locking or risk damaging the lens threads.
Innovation Solution
A camera design featuring a pipe fitting with internal threads divided by circumferential grooves containing elastic O-rings, ensuring secure lens fixation without tilting and providing redundant sealing against moisture ingress, using the elasticity of the O-rings to create a positive and frictional connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single O-ring is used to secure the lens, then the lens can be held in position, but the lens may tilt or become unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single sealing function into multiple segments by using two separate circumferential grooves with O-rings positioned at different locations along the pipe fitting. This segmentation provides multiple contact points that secure the lens more reliably while preventing tilting through distributed support.
2Reliability
If locknuts or lockrings are used to secure the lens, then the lens can be firmly fixed, but these components are very small and difficult to adjust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the lens securing function from small, difficult-to-adjust locknuts or lockrings and implements it through the elasticity of O-rings in circumferential grooves. This allows the lens to be secured reliably while maintaining ease of adjustment, as the O-rings provide continuous contact without requiring precise positioning of small components.
3Reliability
If spring pressure is applied to the lens, then the lens can be secured, but a specific spring length is required for each lens and stable locking is not guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex, customized spring mechanisms with simple, standardized O-rings that can be easily replaced if needed. The O-rings provide sufficient securing force through their elasticity without requiring precise length matching or complex configuration for different lenses.
4Reliability
If a clamping screw is used to secure the lens, then the lens can be fixed, but the lens thread may be damaged and focus may shift
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces O-rings as intermediary elements between the lens and the pipe fitting. These O-rings distribute the clamping force evenly across the lens surface, preventing damage to the lens thread while maintaining secure fixation without causing focus shifts.
5Reliability
If flexible plastic mounts are used to create a clamping effect, then the lens can be secured, but these mounts are problematic in the presence of large temperature differences and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from flexible plastic to elastomeric O-ring material that is specifically selected for its resistance to temperature variations and contamination. The O-rings maintain their elastic properties and sealing effectiveness across a wide range of environmental conditions.
6Reliability
If a rubber ring is used in the thread to secure the lens, then the lens can be held through elasticity, but the lens may tilt uncomfortably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single rubber ring into two separate O-rings positioned in different circumferential grooves. This segmentation provides multiple contact points that secure the lens through elasticity while distributing the support force to prevent tilting.
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 design securely fastens lenses without tilting and prevents moisture ingress, allowing for precise focus adjustment and compatibility with standard lenses, reducing the risk of damage and operational issues.
Implementation Method 1
This secures the lens in the thread through the elasticity of the O-rings
Implementation Method 2
simultaneously prevents tilting thanks to the at least two O-rings arranged one behind the other
Implementation Method 3
Furthermore, this provides redundancy in the sealing, further reducing the risk of moisture ingress into the camera body
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A camera (1) with a camera housing (2) is described, which has a lens mount with a tube (3) and an internal thread (4) on the tube (3). The tube (3) has a first circumferential groove (5a) running around its inner circumference, with an elastic O-ring (7a) in the circumferential groove (5a). The tube (3) has at least two circumferential grooves (5b) on its inner circumference, which are spaced apart from the first circumferential groove (5a) in the extension direction of the tube (3) on a common optical axis (OA) and have an elastic O-ring (7b) in the second circumferential groove (5b).