Lens Adjustment Mechanism with Nested Actuator for Optical Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical apparatuses, such as digital cameras and interchangeable lenses, face a reduction in rigidity due to the formation of cutouts for focus component adjustments, leading to potential tilting or distortion under external forces.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a cam barrel with an actuator, movement unit, and adjustment unit arranged at different phases in the circumferential direction, with overlapping widths in the optical-axis direction, allowing for stable lens adjustment without compromising rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a cutout is formed to the focus component to hold the actuator, then the entire length of the product is reduced, but the rigidity of the focus component is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is nested within a recess formed in the focus component, allowing the actuator to be held inside the focus component when the focus component is retracted. This nesting arrangement reduces the overall product length while maintaining the structural integrity of the focus component by using a recess rather than a through-cutout.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional cutout approach to a three-dimensional recess structure. By forming a recess that extends into the focus component rather than simply cutting out a portion, the design achieves compactness in the optical axis direction while preserving rigidity through the remaining material structure.
2Strength
If the focus component is made more rigid to prevent tilting, then the product length increases, but miniaturization is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the actuator within a recess in the focus component, the design achieves compact integration without requiring additional space that would increase product length. The recess structure provides rigid support for the actuator while maintaining the focus component's overall rigidity and preventing tilting under external forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the actuator housing function with the focus component itself. The focus component serves dual purposes: maintaining optical rigidity and housing the actuator through its recess structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate housing structures that would increase product length.
3Ease of operation
If adjustment rollers are disposed inside the focus component, then lens position adjustment is enabled, but the focus component structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The focus component's recess structure serves multiple functions: it houses the actuator, provides structural support, and accommodates the adjustment rollers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby enabling lens position adjustment while minimizing structural 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
This configuration enables efficient miniaturization and stable lens adjustment, reducing noise and maintaining optical performance by positioning components to minimize external forces and thermal expansion effects.
Implementation Method 1
a cam barrel configured to rotate around an optical axis
Implementation Method 2
an actuator disposed on an inner peripheral side of the cam barrel
Implementation Method 3
a movement unit disposed on the inner peripheral side of the cam barrel and configured to move the lens in an optical-axis direction
Implementation Method 4
an adjustment unit disposed on the inner peripheral side of the cam barrel and configured to adjust a position of the lens
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a lens, a cam barrel configured to rotate around an optical axis, an actuator disposed on an inner peripheral side of the cam barrel, a movement unit disposed on the inner peripheral side of the cam barrel and configured to move the lens in an optical-axis direction, and an adjustment unit disposed on the inner peripheral side of the cam barrel and configured to adjust a position of the lens. The movement unit, the adjustment unit, and the actuator are arranged at different phases from one another in a circumferential direction of the cam barrel. Widths of the movement unit, the adjustment unit, and the actuator in the optical-axis direction overlap one another.