Orthogonal Rolling Holder Lens Stabilizer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image stabilizing apparatuses face issues with optical performance deterioration due to component misalignment and increased thickness, as well as difficulties in miniaturization and assembly stability, primarily caused by overlapping components in the optical axis direction and the tendency of rolling balls to shift or fall out under vibration or shock.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a design with first and second rolling holders and balls that allow movement in orthogonal directions without overlapping in the optical axis, using a fixed base plate and movable lens barrel with specifically sized grooves and holes to maintain alignment and stability, and incorporates a guiding member with high rub-resistant materials to prevent deformation and ensure accurate positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If components are configured to overlap in optical axis direction to achieve compact structure, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to lens position shifts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional layered overlap configuration (optical axis direction stacking) to a side-by-side arrangement where rolling holders are positioned adjacent to each other in the optical axis direction, with balls arranged in rows and columns between them. This dimensional reorganization eliminates the stacking effect that causes lens position shifts while maintaining compactness through optimized spatial distribution of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the support structure into multiple rolling holders (first and second rolling holders) positioned separately in the optical axis direction, each containing specific balls for particular directions. This segmentation prevents component overlap and allows independent positioning, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while achieving the required functional integration.
2Length of stationary object
If components overlap in optical axis direction to reduce apparatus thickness, then length in optical axis direction is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of reducing thickness by stacking components in the optical axis direction, the patent achieves compactness by arranging rolling holders and balls in optimized two-dimensional patterns within the available space, utilizing lateral dimensions more efficiently while maintaining a reduced overall footprint without compromising precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where balls are positioned within grooves of rolling holders, and multiple rolling holders are arranged in a compact configuration where smaller components are integrated within the spatial envelope of larger structures, achieving thinness through hierarchical nesting rather than simple stacking.
3Ease of operation
If rolling balls are used for movement support, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to ball departure under vibration or shock
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces grooves as intermediary structures that receive and constrain the rolling balls. These grooves act as mediators between the rolling holders and the balls, providing a dedicated receptacle that prevents ball departure during vibration or shock while allowing the balls to roll freely during normal operation, thus maintaining both ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates retention structures (grooves) that are pre-configured in the rolling holders to catch and secure the balls before any displacement can occur. This preliminary protective action ensures that balls remain in their designated positions even under adverse conditions like vibration or shock, preventing reliability issues before they arise.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional rolling holder configuration is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to component overlap
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the support system into distinct rolling holders with clearly defined grooves and ball positions. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process by allowing each component to be produced and assembled independently, while the segmented arrangement inherently prevents the overlap-induced precision errors associated with conventional integrated designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The grooves serve as intermediary features that simplify assembly by providing built-in alignment and retention guidance. These grooves act as manufacturing aids that ensure precise ball positioning during assembly, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while keeping the overall design straightforward and easy to manufacture.
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 enhances optical performance by reducing positional errors, allows for thinner apparatus construction, and improves assembly stability and workability by preventing ball displacement during vibrations or shocks, while maintaining accurate alignment and reducing assembly costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first rolling holder configured to support a first rolling member so as to be capable of rolling in a first direction orthogonal to the optical axis, the first rolling member moving the optical element in the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
An image stabilizing apparatus for correcting an image shake by moving an optical element arranged in a lens barrel in a plane orthogonal to an optical axis includes a first rolling holder configured to support a first rolling member so as to be capable of rolling in a first direction orthogonal to the optical axis, the first rolling member moving the optical element in the first direction, and a fixed member attached to a surface of the first rolling holder and providing support for the lens barrel, the first rolling member being provided on the surface.