Magnetic Filter Mounting Adapter for Camera Lenses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photographic filters require time-consuming screw-in and screw-out mounting onto camera lenses, leading to wear and tear, improper positioning issues, and a high risk of filters falling off, especially when multiple filters are stacked.
Innovation Solution
An adapter assembly with magnetic engagement members and threaded portions allows for quick and secure mounting of filters onto a lens, enabling multiple filters to be stacked without mechanical threading, using a combination of external and internal threads with magnetic coupling for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded filters are screwed-in and screwed-out from the camera lens, then filters can be mounted and unmounted, but the process is time consuming and causes wear and tear on threads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical threading system with a magnetic field-based attachment system. The adapter assembly and filter assembly use magnets to create magnetic attraction forces that hold the filter securely to the lens, eliminating the need for screwing and unscrewing threaded connections. This substitution of mechanical threading with magnetic attachment directly resolves the contradiction by removing wear-prone threaded interfaces while enabling rapid filter changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an adapter assembly as an intermediary component between the camera lens and the filter. This adapter contains magnets that mediate the attachment process, allowing the filter to be mounted without direct mechanical threading between the lens and filter. The adapter serves as a magnetic coupling interface that eliminates repeated mechanical stress on the lens threads while maintaining secure filter attachment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple filters are stacked using threaded connections, then multiple filters can be mounted, but each filter must be subsequently screwed onto the preceding filter which takes substantial time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the cascading mechanical threading required for stacking multiple filters with a magnetic field-based attachment system. Each filter in the stack is held by magnetic attraction forces from the adapter assembly, eliminating the need to screw each subsequent filter onto the previous one. This allows multiple filters to be stacked and attached simultaneously or in rapid succession without the cumulative time penalty of sequential threading operations.
3Ease of operation
If threaded filters are regularly mounted and unmounted, then filters can be changed, but the chances of wear and tear of threads on both filters and camera lens is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the repeated mechanical screwing and unscrewing of threaded connections with a magnetic field-based attachment and release mechanism. The magnets in the adapter assembly create a holding force that secures the filter during use, and simply overcoming this magnetic force (by pulling or rotating the filter slightly) releases it without mechanical wear. This eliminates the progressive degradation of thread integrity that occurs with repeated threading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic attachment system provides self-aligning and self-holding capabilities. The magnetic field automatically guides the filter into proper position during attachment and maintains secure holding during use without requiring precise manual threading alignment. This self-service characteristic reduces operational complexity and eliminates wear on threaded interfaces while maintaining easy filter changeability.
4Manufacturing precision
If threaded filters are used, then filters can be attached to the lens, but slightest defects in the threads would have adverse effect on photography since filters are not properly positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the precision-critical threaded mechanical interface with a magnetic field-based attachment system. The magnetic field provides a distributed holding force that is less sensitive to manufacturing imperfections compared to threaded connections. Even if the magnetic components have slight variations, the magnetic attraction maintains secure and properly positioned filter attachment without the amplification of positioning errors that occurs with thread defects.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic attachment system provides self-aligning properties where the magnetic field automatically guides the filter into the correct position during attachment. This self-alignment capability compensates for minor manufacturing variations in the magnetic components, ensuring consistent and accurate filter positioning without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances on the attachment components.
5Ease of operation
If threaded filters are used, then filters can be mounted on the lens, but the chances of the filter falling off from the camera lens are also high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the mechanical thread engagement system with a magnetic field-based attachment system that provides continuous holding force. The magnetic attraction between the adapter assembly and filter assembly creates a secure bond that prevents the filter from falling off, even during camera movement or handling. This magnetic retention mechanism is more reliable than threaded connections which can disengage if threads become damaged or cross-threaded.
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 solution significantly reduces the time required for filter mounting and unmounting, minimizes wear and tear, ensures proper filter positioning, and prevents filters from falling off, allowing for efficient and reliable use during critical shooting moments.
Implementation Method 1
The first engagement member comprises a first set of one or more magnets disposed towards the second threaded portion. At least a portion of second threaded portion protruding over the first engagement member. The second engagement member comprises of a second set of one or more magnets disposed towards the third threaded portion.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for detachably mounting filters onto a lens of a photographic device is provided. The apparatus comprises of an adapter assembly and a filter assembly. The adapter assembly comprises a first main frame with a first threaded portion and a second threaded portion, and a first engagement member with magnets disposed towards the second threaded portion. The filter assembly comprises a second main frame with a third threaded portion, a filter, and a second engagement with magnets disposed towards the third threaded portion. The adapter assembly is configured to be received by the lens of the photographic device. The filter assembly is configured to be received by the adapter assembly. A lens cover provided with a ferro magnetic material may be configured to be received by the adapter assembly or the filter assembly.