Movable Optical Filter Cleaning in Compact Image Pickup Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image pickup apparatuses with movable optical filters face issues of increased size and require disassembly for cleaning due to dust accumulation, which can affect image quality.
Innovation Solution
An image pickup apparatus with an optical filter that moves between an inserted and retracted position, using elastic members to contact the filter surfaces and sweep away foreign substances, maintaining compact size and ease of cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the optical filter is made movable to enable cleaning by disassembly, then the filter can be cleaned, but the apparatus size increases and disassembly is required
Solution Approach 1:
The optical filter cleans itself by utilizing its own movement between retracted and inserted positions. The elastic member contacts the filter surface during movement, sweeping away foreign substances automatically without requiring external disassembly or manual cleaning intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical filter is designed to move dynamically between retracted and inserted positions. This dynamic movement enables the filter to transition between states where it is accessible for cleaning (retracted) and where it performs its optical function (inserted), resolving the contradiction between cleanliness and structural complexity.
2Reliability
If the optical filter is driven movable, then foreign substances can be removed, but the apparatus requires more space and becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The optical filter moves along the optical axis (depth dimension) between retracted and inserted positions, rather than requiring lateral movement. This dimensional approach allows the filter to be accessed for cleaning without increasing the lateral footprint of the apparatus, maintaining a compact overall size.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical filter is nested within the apparatus housing, moving in and out along the optical path. When retracted, the filter is positioned within the apparatus body rather than extending outward, minimizing the external dimensions while still allowing access for the elastic member to clean the filter surface.
3Device complexity
If the optical filter is stationary, then the apparatus remains compact, but foreign substances accumulate on the filter
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member is positioned to contact the optical filter surface in advance during the filter's movement. This preliminary contact occurs automatically as the filter transitions between positions, preventing foreign substances from accumulating to harmful levels before the next cleaning action.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning action occurs continuously during each movement cycle of the optical filter. Rather than requiring separate cleaning operations, the useful action of cleaning is integrated into the normal operational movement of the filter, ensuring continuous removal of foreign substances without interrupting the apparatus function.
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 solution allows for effective removal of dust without increasing the apparatus size, ensuring clean imaging and ease of filter maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The first elastic member comes into contact with at least a portion of a first surface of the optical filter, in a case where the optical filter moves from the first position to the second position, or in a case where the optical filter moves from the second position to the first position.
Data Source
AI summary
An image pickup apparatus includes an image sensor, an optical filter, a holder configured to hold the optical filter, a driving unit configured to move the holder, and a first elastic member disposed outside an imaging range. The driving unit moves the optical filter between a first position inserted into the imaging range and a second position retracted from the imaging range. The first elastic member comes into contact with at least a portion of a first surface of the optical filter, in a case where the optical filter moves from the first position to the second position, or in a case where the optical filter moves from the second position to the first position.