Monitoring Lens Front-End Ring Operation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small-sized monitoring cameras face difficulties in adjusting focus and zoom due to limited space, making operations cumbersome and prone to incorrect settings, especially when the angle of the monitoring lens apparatus is small or when sufficient space is not available.
Innovation Solution
The monitoring lens apparatus features a first and second lens frame movable along the optical axis, with cam-driven rings and an extended portion allowing for easy operation without inserting fingers into narrow openings, along with a lock knob design that simplifies fixing the rings' positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the monitoring camera is downsized to reduce overall size, then the compactness and portability are improved, but the space for finger operation around the focus ring and zoom ring is reduced making adjustment difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the focus ring and zoom ring from the traditional side/rear positions to the front end of the lens barrel, changing the spatial dimension of operation. This allows users to access the rings from the front opening of the cover member without needing to insert fingers deep into the camera body, effectively solving the space constraint issue while maintaining camera compactness
Solution Approach 2:
The lockable structure is designed to secure the focus and zoom positions after adjustment. The lock member can engage with the rings to fix their positions, preventing accidental changes during operation. This preliminary securing action ensures stable imaging conditions once the desired focus and zoom are achieved
2Shape
If the opening of the cover member is minimized for aesthetic and compact design, then the sleekness and compactness are improved, but the accessibility to the focus ring and zoom ring is reduced requiring finger insertion
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the operational rings to the front end of the lens barrel, the patent enables access through the front opening of the cover member. This dimensional repositioning allows the opening to remain aesthetically pleasing and compact while still providing sufficient access for finger operation of the rings without requiring deep insertion into the camera body
3Device complexity
If the lock knobs are positioned at the rear for traditional design, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the operation becomes cumbersome requiring deep finger insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The lock member is repositioned to operate in conjunction with the rings at the front end of the lens barrel. This allows the locking action to be performed from the front through the cover member opening, eliminating the need for deep finger insertion while maintaining the mechanical simplicity of the locking mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The lock member acts as an intermediary element that engages with the focus and zoom rings to secure their positions. This intermediate locking mechanism provides a simple yet effective way to fix the rings without requiring complex structures or deep access into the camera body
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
Enables easy and convenient adjustment of focus and zoom, even in compact designs, with reduced risk of misalignment, and allows for secure locking without complex operations, enhancing usability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a first ring provided pivotably to the fixed cylinder and provided with a cam groove for driving the first lens frame, a second ring provided pivotably to the fixed cylinder on an object side of the first ring and provided with a cam groove for driving the second lens frame
Data Source
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AI summary
A monitoring lens apparatus is provided and includes a fixed cylinder, a first lens frame provided at an inner portion of the fixed cylinder and movable in an optical axis direction, a second lens frame provided at the inner portion of the fixed cylinder and movable in the optical axis direction, a first ring provided rotatably to the fixed cylinder and provided with a cam groove for driving the first lens frame, a second ring provided rotatably to the fixed cylinder on an object side of the first ring and provided with a cam groove for driving the second lens frame, and an extended portion provided integrally with the first ring and extended to the object side to cover an outer periphery of the second ring.