Parallel Kinematic Lens Mount Decoupling Optical Axis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capturing devices have a restricted maximum usable diameter of the beam passage opening due to the central arrangement of the lens and image converter within the strut structure, and a predetermined minimum distance between the lens and image converter due to the design of the struts, limiting their flexibility and adjustability.
Innovation Solution
Decoupling the optical axis from the strut reference axis allows for independent selection of the size of the lens or image converter, enabling all six degrees of freedom movement and adjustable strut lengths, which can be controlled manually or via a control unit, to achieve greater flexibility in the positioning of the lens and image converter devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the lens and image converter are arranged centrally within the strut structure, then the structural stability is improved, but the maximum usable diameter of the beam passage opening is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent decouples the optical axis from the strut reference axis, creating a spatial offset between them. This dimensional separation allows the beam passage opening to extend beyond the strut structure's central region, effectively increasing the maximum usable diameter without compromising structural stability. The optical axis is positioned independently at a distance from the strut reference axis, enabling the lens and image converter to be arranged in a configuration that maximizes beam passage area while maintaining structural integrity through the strut support system.
2Manufacturing precision
If the struts are designed with fixed minimum length, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the distance between lens and image converter becomes predetermined and limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable strut lengths that can be modified while maintaining manufacturing precision. The parallel kinematic movement device allows the struts to be extended or retracted to different lengths, enabling the distance between the lens and image converter to be varied. This dynamic adjustment capability is achieved through mechanisms that preserve precision positioning even as the strut length changes, thereby providing versatility in distance adjustment without sacrificing manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables change in the strut length parameter to achieve different distances between optical components. By allowing the strut length to be adjusted within a range while maintaining precise control, the system can adapt the distance between lens and image converter according to different application requirements, thus improving adaptability without compromising the precision that would be lost with arbitrary length changes.
3Device complexity
If the optical axis and strut reference axis are coincident, then the device complexity is reduced, but the flexibility in positioning lens and image converter is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spatial offset between the optical axis and strut reference axis, utilizing a second dimension of freedom in positioning. This decoupling allows independent adjustment of the lens and image converter positions relative to each other and relative to the strut structure. The optical axis can be positioned at a controlled distance from the strut reference axis, enabling six degrees of freedom movement and significantly increasing positioning flexibility without substantially increasing device complexity, as the offset arrangement becomes part of the standard configuration.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
The invention relates to an image acquisition device, in particular a photographic camera, comprising: at least one image converter device (18) that defines an image plane (BE), and at least one lens device (12) that defines a lens plane (OE), wherein the image converter device (18) and the lens device (12) are arranged to be movable relative to each other; at least one converter-side support arrangement (28) associated with the image converter device (18); at least one lens-side support arrangement (22) associated with the lens device (12); at least one parallel kinematic movement device with several struts (34; 34a) which are pivotally arranged with their respective strut ends (35, 36; 35a, 36a) on the converter-side support arrangement (28) and/or on the lens-side support arrangement (22) and/or on a base frame (29) of the image acquisition device (10).wherein translational movements along a respective strut reference axis (SA) of the movement device can be performed by means of the movement device, wherein in a home position the image plane (BE) and the lens plane (OE) are positioned parallel to each other, such that an optical axis (OA) runs orthogonally to the image plane (BE) and to the lens plane (OE). According to the invention, it is provided that the image converter device (18) and the lens device (12) are arranged on the converter-side support arrangement (28) and the lens-side support arrangement (22) such that in the home position the optical axis (OA) has an axial distance (AA) from one strut reference axis (SA) of the movement device or from at least one of the strut reference axes (SA1, SA2) of the movement devices and/or is aligned orthogonally to the respective strut reference axis (SA; SA1, SA2).