Lens Operation Ring With Compact Click And Rotation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lens apparatuses with click mechanisms for operation rings face challenges in achieving compact size due to the need for extensive click grooves and separate rotation detection systems, which occupy significant space.
Innovation Solution
The operation ring incorporates first and second tooth portions with different periodic slits, combined with photointerrupters for rotation detection, and a sliding member for click feel, allowing for compact design by reducing overlap and space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If click grooves are provided over the entire area in the circumferential direction to enable endless rotation, then the operation ring can rotate continuously, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operation ring is divided into multiple tooth portions (first tooth portion, second tooth portion, etc.) with different periods of light shielding portions and slits. Each tooth portion is detected by separate photointerrupters, allowing the system to achieve endless rotation detection without requiring click grooves over the entire circumferential area, thus reducing the apparatus size while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane click groove design to a multi-dimensional approach by stacking multiple tooth portions with different periods in the radial direction. The first tooth portion has a first period and is detected by first photointerrupters, while the second tooth portion has a second period and is detected by second photointerrupters. This dimensional stacking enables compact design while maintaining endless rotation capability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple photointerrupters and tooth portions are added to detect rotation and synchronize with click mechanism, then rotation detection precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each tooth portion serves multiple functions: it provides both rotation detection through its slits and click feel through its grooves. The first tooth portion with first period photointerrupters and the second tooth portion with second period photointerrupters work together to detect rotation direction, calculate rotation amount, and synchronize with the click mechanism, reducing the need for separate dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple tooth portions with different periods as copies of the same basic structure. Each tooth portion has light shielding portions and slits arranged in different periods, creating redundant detection capabilities that enhance measurement precision while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through pattern repetition.
3Ease of operation
If click grooves are provided over the entire circumferential area, then the operator can feel click at all rotation positions, but the space occupied by the mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing uniform click grooves over the entire circumferential area, the patent applies click grooves locally at specific positions corresponding to different periods. The first tooth portion has grooves at its specific period positions, and the second tooth portion has grooves at its different period positions. This local quality approach maintains ease of operation at critical positions while significantly reducing the total space occupied by the click mechanism.
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 rotation detection and click feel while minimizing the apparatus's size, facilitating a more compact lens apparatus design.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting portion configured to emit light to the first tooth portion and a light receiving portion configured to receive light emitted from the light emitting portion and having passed through the slits of the first tooth portion
Implementation Method 2
a light emitting portion configured to emit light to the second tooth portion and a light receiving portion configured to receive light emitted from the light emitting portion and having passed through the slits of the second tooth portion
Implementation Method 3
a sliding member configured to be biased in a radial direction of the operation ring and slide over the grooves as the operation ring rotates
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes an operation ring including first and second tooth portions, a first unit including an emitting portion that emits light to the first tooth portion and a receiving portion that receives emitted light passing through slits of the first tooth portion, and a second unit including an emitting portion that emits light to the second tooth portion and a receiving portion that receives emitted light passing through slits of the second tooth portion. Rotation of the ring is detected based on detection results by the first and second units. The ring has grooves formed at a first period in a circumferential direction thereof, and between the first and second tooth portions in a direction parallel to a rotation axis of the ring. The apparatus further includes a sliding member that is biased in a radial direction of the ring and slides over the grooves as the ring rotates.