Lens Support Mechanism Reducing Actuator Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lens barrel configurations face interference issues between cam followers and actuators during zooming and focusing, limiting design flexibility and increasing size due to the reliance on multiple actuators for focus lens movement.
Innovation Solution
The lens support mechanism incorporates a first and second lens group unit, a substantially cylindrical fixed cylinder, a cam cylinder with cam grooves, and a guide shaft, allowing the first and second lens group units to move in the optical axis direction while restricting rotation, thereby reducing the number of cam followers and actuators needed, thus minimizing interference and enabling a more compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple actuators are provided for driving the focus lens, then focusing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases and cam followers may interfere with actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the zooming mechanism and focusing mechanism into a single integrated system. The cam cylinder that drives zooming also drives focusing through a shared cam groove configuration, eliminating the need for separate actuators for each function. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining both zooming and focusing capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The cam cylinder serves multiple functions: it controls both zooming movement and focusing movement through different cam grooves. The same rotational component interacts with different cam followers to achieve different optical functions, making the system more efficient and reducing the total number of actuators required
2Manufacturing precision
If cam followers are provided for precise lens group control, then lens positioning accuracy is improved, but the risk of interference with actuators increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves interference by transitioning from a linear arrangement to a radial arrangement. Cam followers are positioned at different radial distances from the optical axis, allowing them to operate in different spatial zones. This dimensional separation prevents interference while maintaining precise control over lens groups
Solution Approach 2:
The cam groove acts as an intermediary element between the cam cylinder and cam followers. It translates the rotational motion of the cam cylinder into precise linear motion of the cam followers, ensuring accurate lens positioning while preventing direct interference between moving components
3Ease of manufacture
If a conventional lens barrel configuration is used, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but the lens barrel size increases due to multiple actuators
Solution Approach 1:
By merging zooming and focusing mechanisms into a single cam cylinder system, the patent reduces the overall volume required for actuator housing. The integrated design eliminates redundant structural components and reduces the space needed for multiple separate actuators, resulting in a more compact lens barrel
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 provides greater design latitude and reduces the size of the lens barrel by minimizing the number of cam followers and actuators, preventing interference and allowing for smoother operation between zooming and focusing mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
A first frame body included in the plurality of frame bodies has a cam member, and a second frame body has a guide groove that slides with the cam member inserted therein. When the first and second frames rotate relative to each other, the cam member is guided by the guide groove, and the two frames move relative to each other in the optical axis direction
Data Source
AI summary
A lens support mechanism (10) comprises a fourth lens group unit (24), a sixth lens group unit (26), a rectilinear cylinder 11, a cam cylinder (12), and a guide shaft (29a). The rectilinear cylinder 11 is provided on the outer peripheral side of the fourth lens group unit 24 and the sixth lens group unit 26, and has a rectilinear groove 11e into which a cam follower 24b and a main cam follower 26ba are inserted to restrict the rotation of the fourth lens group unit 24. A cam groove 12e and a cam groove 12h with which the cam follower 24b and the main cam follower 26ba are engaged are formed in the cam cylinder 12, and when the cam cylinder 12 rotates with respect to the rectilinear cylinder 11, this moves the fourth lens group unit 24 and the sixth lens group unit 26 in the optical axis OP direction. The guide shaft 29a is fixed at a first end to the fourth lens group unit 24 and inserted into the insertion opening 26c to guide the sixth lens group unit 26 in the optical axis OP direction.