Nested Zoom Focus Lens Barrel for Compact Wide-Aperture Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current telescopic zoom lens assemblies face challenges in miniaturization, particularly in achieving a wide-angle effect while maintaining a compact size, as they often require stubby multi-sleeve structures that limit zoom factor and increase rear end dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A zoom/focus apparatus with coaxially disposed ultrasonic motors driving radially unmovable lens barrels, where the zoom lens barrel has a larger caliber than the focus lens barrel, allowing for axial movement and telescoping, enabling a larger aperture with the same maximum outer diameter and facilitating miniaturization by assembling the lens groups from rear to front.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If multi-sleeve telescopic structure is used for automatic zooming, then automatic zooming capability is achieved, but the lens assembly requires stubby structure which limits zoom factor and increases rear end dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the focus lens barrel is positioned inside the zoom lens barrel. The focus lens barrel has smaller caliber and is radially unmovable, while the zoom lens barrel has larger caliber and provides telescoping capability. This nested arrangement allows the focus mechanism to be housed within the zoom mechanism without interfering with the telescopic motion, achieving both automatic zooming and focus adjustment while maintaining a compact overall structure with improved zoom factor.
2Volume of moving object
If zoom lens assembly is miniaturized, then compact size is achieved, but it becomes difficult to achieve wide-angle effect with large aperture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lens system into two independent functional segments: a focus lens barrel with smaller caliber dedicated to focus adjustment, and a zoom lens barrel with larger caliber dedicated to telescoping and aperture control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the zoom lens barrel can have larger diameter for wide-angle effect and light gathering capability, while the overall assembly remains compact due to the nested arrangement and the smaller focus barrel not requiring large dimensions.
3Device complexity
If focus lens barrel and zoom lens barrel are integrated, then structure is compact, but it becomes difficult to achieve both precise focus adjustment and telescoping motion
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the zoom mechanism inside the focus mechanism, the patent inverts the conventional arrangement by placing the focus lens barrel inside the zoom lens barrel. The focus lens barrel is made radially unmovable with precise axial positioning for focus adjustment, while the outer zoom lens barrel provides the telescoping motion. This inverted nested arrangement allows each mechanism to operate independently without interference - the inner focus mechanism achieves precise focus adjustment while the outer zoom mechanism provides smooth telescoping motion, all within a compact integrated structure.
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 configuration allows for a wider-angle lens assembly with a larger aperture and reduced dimensions, enabling more convenient installation and miniaturization of the lens assembly while maintaining precise focus and zoom control.
Implementation Method 1
a first ultrasonic motor and a second ultrasonic motor... The rotor of the first ultrasonic motor is used to drive the first focus lens barrel to move axially. The rotor of the second ultrasonic motor is used to drive the first zoom lens barrel to move axially.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
10. A zoom lens assembly comprising the zoom/focus apparatus of any one of claims 1∼9 and a focus lens group and a zoom lens group which need to be moved and are installed in corresponding lens barrel, wherein the installed lens groups are coaxial with the first focus lens barrel. 11. The lens assembly of claim 10, further comprising a fixed second focus lens group (108) which is installed behind the first focus lens group (106) and is coaxial with the first focus lens barrel; and/or further comprising a fixed second zoom lens group (109) which is installed between the first focus lens group and the first zoom lens group and is coaxial with the first focus lens barrel.