Nested Cylindrical Lens Barrel for Compact Camera Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lens barrels for cameras face structural restrictions that complicate the achievement of optimal optical performance, necessitating a simplified design to enhance space efficiency and reduce size while maintaining optical quality.
Innovation Solution
The lens barrel design incorporates a first cylindrical member, a second cylindrical member that slides along the inner surface of the first, and an axis member that guides a holding member to position optical components, allowing for discrete movement of lens groups along the optical axis, thereby simplifying the structure and improving space efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional lens barrel structure with fixed cylinder, cam cylinder, and lens groups is used, then optical performance can be secured, but the structure becomes complex and space efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lens barrel is divided into separate cylindrical members (first cylindrical member, second cylindrical member, axis member) that can independently guide different lens groups. This segmentation allows each member to have a specialized function, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining optical performance through independent movement control of lens groups.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the second cylindrical member slides within the first cylindrical member, and the axis member slides within the second cylindrical member. This nesting arrangement reduces the overall footprint and space requirements while maintaining the functional independence of each lens group guidance mechanism.
2Reliability
If multiple lens groups move along the optical axis, then optical performance is improved, but the lens barrel size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces radial dimensions for lens group movement by allowing cylindrical members to slide within each other in directions perpendicular to the optical axis. This multi-dimensional movement capability enables compact lens group repositioning without increasing the axial length of the lens barrel, thereby maintaining small device size while achieving optimal optical performance.
3Ease of manufacture
If lens groups are guided by a unified structure, then manufacturing is simplified, but mechanical interference increases and load for focusing/zooming increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guidance structure is segmented into multiple independent cylindrical members, each responsible for guiding specific lens groups. This segmentation eliminates mechanical interference between lens groups during focusing and zooming operations, as each member moves independently without conflicting with others. While manufacturing complexity increases slightly, the reduction in mechanical interference and operational load achieves better overall performance.
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 design simplifies the lens barrel structure, enhances space efficiency, and enables downsizing of the camera by allowing separate guidance of lens sliding cylinders, reducing mechanical interference and the load required for focusing and zooming operations.
Implementation Method 1
a second cylindrical member that slides in the prescribed axial direction along an inner circumferential surface of the first cylindrical member
Implementation Method 2
an axis member that slides in the prescribed axial direction along an inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical member
Data Source
AI summary
A lens barrel includes: a first cylindrical member that extends in a prescribed axial direction; a second cylindrical member that slides in the prescribed axial direction along an inner circumferential surface of the first cylindrical member; an axis member that slides in the prescribed axial direction along an inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical member; and a first holding member that is fixed to the axis member, is guided in the prescribed axial direction by the slide of the axis member against the second cylindrical member, and holds a first optical member.