Lens Unit Object-Side Adjustment Frames

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lens units in imaging apparatuses face challenges in achieving high optical performance without increasing the size of the apparatus, due to the need for eccentricity adjustment and the spatial constraints imposed by the arrangement of adjustment mechanisms and other components.

Innovation Solution

A lens unit design that includes a holding frame for a first lens, a first adjustment frame for adjusting a first adjustment lens orthogonal to the optical axis, and a second adjustment frame for adjusting a second adjustment lens orthogonal to the optical axis, where the first and second adjustment frames are arranged on the object side of the optical axis direction with respect to the holding frame, allowing for eccentricity adjustments without increasing the apparatus size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If adjustment mechanisms and components are arranged close to each other on the image side, then eccentricity adjustment can be performed, but the apparatus size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeccentricity adjustment precisionVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by placing adjustment frames on the object side rather than the image side. This inversion allows adjustment mechanisms to be positioned away from other components, preventing spatial interference and reducing overall apparatus size while maintaining adjustment precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the optical axis direction as a new dimension for arrangement. By positioning adjustment frames on the object side along the optical axis, it creates spatial separation from image-side components, effectively using the depth dimension to resolve conflicts between adjustment mechanisms and other components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple components are arranged on the image side, then adjustment can be performed, but spatial interference occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment capabilityVSAvoidspatial arrangement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional placement of adjustment frames from the image side to the object side. This inversion creates spatial separation between adjustment mechanisms and other components, eliminating spatial interference and simplifying the overall device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS20250189755A1Lens unit, lens barrel, and adjustment method

Publication Date: 2025.06.12 CANON KK

AI summary

A lens unit that includes a plurality of lenses includes a holding frame configured to hold a first lens of the plurality of lenses, a first adjustment frame configured to hold a first adjustment lens of the plurality of lenses and adjust the first adjustment lens in a direction orthogonal to an optical axis with respect to the holding frame, and a second adjustment frame configured to hold a second adjustment lens of the plurality of lenses and adjust the second adjustment lens in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis with respect to the holding frame, wherein the first adjustment frame and the second adjustment frame are arranged on an object side in an optical axis direction with respect to the holding frame.