Optical Substrate Layout Along the Optical Axis for Compact Cameras
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing size of optical apparatuses, such as digital cameras and interchangeable lenses, due to larger control circuits, poses a challenge in securing substrate mounting area without increasing the width of the main substrate.
Innovation Solution
The optical apparatus includes a first substrate orthogonal to the optical axis with specific diameters, a second substrate parallel to the optical axis, and a fixed barrel that positions the first substrate while avoiding overlap with certain components, along with a connector arrangement that does not overlap fixing portions, allowing for efficient substrate mounting without increasing the substrate width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the control circuits are made more sophisticated to increase functionality, then the device performance is improved, but the size of the optical apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional planar substrate arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration where substrates are positioned at different depths along the optical axis. The first substrate is located closer to the image sensor while the second substrate is positioned farther away, allowing control circuits to be distributed in the depth dimension rather than requiring increased lateral width.
2Area of moving object
If the width of the main substrate is increased to accommodate larger control circuits, then the substrate mounting area is improved, but the overall device width increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the optical axis direction (depth dimension) to expand substrate mounting area. By positioning substrates at different distances from the image sensor along the optical axis, the design accommodates larger control circuits without increasing the lateral width of the main substrate, effectively moving the expansion from 2D to 3D space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where multiple substrates are positioned at different depths within the lens barrel structure. The first substrate is nested closer to the image sensor while the second substrate is nested farther away, allowing both to coexist within the same lateral footprint without interfering with each other or increasing overall device width.
3Area of moving object
If hard substrates are arranged orthogonal and parallel to the optical axis to provide mounting flexibility, then the substrate mounting area is improved, but the arrangement constraints with connecting mechanisms increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control circuit functionality across multiple separate substrates rather than using a single large substrate. The first substrate and second substrate are segmented and positioned at different locations along the optical axis, with each substrate carrying specific control circuits. This segmentation allows flexible arrangement while reducing constraints from connecting mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical apparatus includes a first substrate having a main plane orthogonal to an optical axis direction of an optical system, and the first substrate having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, each of which is centered on the optical axis direction, a second substrate connected to the first substrate and having a main plane parallel to the optical axis direction, a fixed barrel that positions the first substrate while restricting a movement of the first substrate in the optical axis direction, and a connector between the first substrate and the second substrate disposed so as not to overlap a fixing portion for fixing a component different from the first substrate to the fixed barrel, when viewed from the optical axis direction. When viewed from the optical axis direction, at least a part of the fixed barrel is located inside the outer diameter.