Lens Unit Barrel Segmentation for Assembly Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing lens unit assembly process requires holding the first lens in the outer frame member after accommodating the lens group in the inner frame member, limiting independent steps for holding the first lens and the lens group in the lens barrel.
Innovation Solution
The lens unit is designed with a first lens barrel member that holds the first lens from the outer peripheral side and a second lens barrel member that holds the lens group on the image side, allowing separate and independent assembly of the first lens and the lens group, with the second lens barrel member positioned using radial and optical axis direction positioning features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the lens group is accommodated in the inner frame member and then the first lens is engaged with the flange portion of the inner frame member, then the lens unit can be assembled, but the step of holding the first lens cannot be performed until the step of holding the lens group is completed
Solution Approach 1:
The lens barrel is divided into two separate members: the inner frame member for holding the lens group, and the outer frame member for holding the first lens. This segmentation allows independent assembly of each component, enabling the first lens to be held separately from the lens group assembly process, thereby improving productivity and reducing assembly process complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the second lens barrel member is separated from the first lens to the image side, then independent assembly is enabled, but positional accuracy between the first lens and the lens group must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The annular protrusion acts as an intermediary positioning feature between the first lens barrel member and the second lens barrel member. It includes a radial direction positioning portion that contacts the second cylindrical portion to position it in the radial direction, and an optical axis direction positioning portion that contacts the flange portion to position the second cylindrical portion in the optical axis direction. This intermediary structure enables independent assembly while maintaining high positional accuracy between the first lens and the lens group.
Data Source
AI summary
A lens unit includes a first barrel member holding a first lens, and a second barrel member holding a lens group. The first barrel member includes a first cylindrical portion including a holding portion holding the first lens from an outer peripheral side and an annular protrusion protruding from the first cylindrical portion to an inner peripheral side. The annular protrusion includes a first lens support portion supporting the first lens from an image side. The second barrel member includes a second cylindrical portion surrounding the lens group from the outer peripheral side and a flange portion protruding from the second cylindrical portion to the outer peripheral side. The second barrel member is positioned in a radial direction by the second cylindrical portion inserted into the inner peripheral side of the annular projection and is positioned in an optical axis direction by the flange portion abutting the annular projection.