Modular Magnetic Filter System for Photographic Lenses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing photographic filters require cumbersome and time-consuming engagement and disengagement processes, leading to wear and tear, and often result in X-shaped shadows due to overlapping filters, especially when achieving desired light adjustments across a range of stops.

Innovation Solution

A modular filter system comprising a base assembly and multiple detachable filter assemblies, utilizing magnetic coupling for easy attachment and detachment, and allowing for combinations of filters to form different neutral density and polarizer filters, reducing the need for continuous 360-degree rotation and minimizing shadow formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple filters are rotated 360 degrees to achieve desired light adjustment, then the light control range is improved, but X-shaped shadows are formed due to filter overlap

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight control rangeVSAvoidX-shaped shadows

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The filter system is divided into multiple independent filter assemblies (first filter assembly, second filter assembly, third filter assembly), each capable of independent attachment and detachment. This segmentation allows selective combination of filters to achieve desired light control without the overlapping rotation issues that cause X-shaped shadows.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filter assemblies are designed with dynamic attachment and detachment capabilities through magnetic coupling mechanisms. This allows the filters to be easily attached and detached based on lighting conditions, providing adaptability without requiring 360-degree rotation that causes shadow overlap.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If filters are screwed onto and unscrewed from the photographing device for frequent use, then filter engagement is achieved, but wear and tear increases and time is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter engagementVSAvoidwear and tear

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The traditional mechanical screw-based attachment system is replaced with a magnetic coupling system. The magnetic coupling mechanism allows for easy attachment and detachment of filter assemblies without the wear and tear associated with repeated screwing and unscrewing operations, while maintaining secure engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Strength

If filters are screwed onto the photographing device, then secure attachment is achieved, but the process is cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidengagement time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The screw-based mechanical attachment system is replaced with magnetic coupling. This substitution maintains secure attachment through magnetic force while dramatically reducing the time required for engagement and disengagement, eliminating the cumbersome screwing and unscrewing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Device complexity

If a single filter is used for multiple stops, then device simplicity is maintained, but shadow formation occurs due to rotation overlap

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter system simplicityVSAvoidshadow formation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a single filter that must be rotated to achieve different stops, the system segments the filtering function into multiple independent filter assemblies. Each assembly can be independently attached or detached, providing the same light control functionality without the shadow formation caused by rotation overlap.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The modular system simplifies filter usage, reduces wear and tear, eliminates shadow issues, and allows for flexible light adjustments across various stop ranges, enhancing the functionality and durability of photographic devices.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing magnetic coupling for easy attachment and detachment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS12135463B2Apparatus for altering quantum of light passing through a lens of a photographic device

Publication Date: 2024.11.05 FREEWELL IND CO LTD

AI summary

An apparatus for altering quantum of light passing through a lens of a photographic device. The apparatus comprises of a base assembly configured to be detachably coupled to the lens of the photographic device, a first assembly comprising a first filter, a second assembly comprising a second filter and a third assembly comprising a third filter. The first assembly is configured to be detachably coupled to the base assembly. The second assembly is configured to be detachably coupled to the base assembly. The third assembly is configured to be detachably coupled to the base assembly. Combination of the first filter and the second filter forms a first range of neutral density filter and combination of the first filter and the third filter forms a second range of neutral density filter.