Optical Device Impact Resistance via Segmented Lens Barrel Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical devices in image pickup apparatuses, such as cameras, face challenges in enhancing impact resistance without increasing the device's size, as methods to improve rigidity and absorb impacts often result in larger diameters and potential disengagement of components during external forces like drops.
Innovation Solution
The optical device incorporates a lens holding member with radially protruding follower pins, a cam member with cam grooves, a first moving member, and a second moving member, allowing the device to switch between states where specific portions are positioned inside the follower pins, enhancing impact resistance without increasing the device's size by distributing the impact effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the outer shape of the lens holding frame is configured to support follower pins from inside to prevent disengagement during impact, then impact resistance is improved, but the thickness of overlapping portions increases and the outer diameter of the lens barrel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented between two distinct structures: the rectilinear motion barrel provides primary support for the follower pins, while the lens holding frame provides secondary support. This segmentation allows each component to have a specialized, optimized shape rather than requiring the lens holding frame to be thickened, thus preventing increase in outer diameter while maintaining impact resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The rectilinear motion barrel acts as an intermediary component between the follower pins and the lens holding frame. It receives and supports the follower pins during normal operation and during impact, transferring the support function away from the lens holding frame. This intermediary structure enables the lens holding frame to maintain its original thin profile while still providing impact protection through the combined support system
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device whose impact resistance against an impact improved without increasing the size thereof. A first-group lens barrel holds has radially protruding follower pins formed thereon. A cam ring is disposed outside the first-group lens barrel, and has cam grooves formed therein for engagement with the follower pins. A diaphragm unit disposed rearward of the first-group lens barrel and a second-group lens barrel disposed rearward of the diaphragm unit move in the optical axis direction. When the diaphragm unit and the second-group lens barrel move in the optical axis direction, the optical device is switched between a wide angle position in which first protrusions formed on the diaphragm unit are positioned inside the follower pins and a telephoto position in which third protrusions formed on the second-group lens barrel are positioned inside the same.