Replaceable Lens Module With Spring Plate for Precise Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capture devices face issues with lens misalignment and difficulty in replacing damaged lenses, leading to impaired image capture quality and requiring replacement of the entire device.
Innovation Solution
A replaceable lens module with a bayonet mechanism, a retaining ring, and a spring plate that ensures proper alignment and easy replacement of lenses by engaging with the bayonet's fingers, using a friction fit and seal to secure the lens in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lenses are connected to a frame or to each other to maintain alignment, then alignment is achieved and maintained, but the device becomes difficult to repair and requires full device replacement when lenses are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The lens system is divided into a fixed lens assembly and a replaceable lens module. The replaceable lens module contains the external lens and is designed to be independently removable from the lens barrel, allowing the lens to be segmented into serviceable components rather than a monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The bayonet coupling mechanism with spring plate provides a dynamic connection that allows the replaceable lens module to be easily attached and detached. The spring-loaded fingers engage with the bayonet to maintain alignment during operation but can be disengaged for replacement, transitioning from a static permanent connection to a dynamic reversible one.
2Reliability
If lenses are permanently fixed in the image capture device, then alignment is maintained, but the device complexity increases and adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The bayonet coupling mechanism serves multiple functions: it maintains precise alignment during operation, enables easy replacement of the lens module, and provides a standardized interface that could potentially accommodate different lens types. This multi-functional design replaces the need for separate alignment and replacement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a static permanent fixation to a dynamic reversible connection, allowing the system to adapt between different lens modules while maintaining alignment precision during use.
3Ease of operation
If a spring plate is used to engage bayonet fingers and compress the lens module, then alignment is maintained and lens replacement is facilitated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring plate and bayonet fingers are integrated into a unified coupling mechanism where the spring plate's elastic deformation provides both the engagement force and the alignment maintenance. This merged design eliminates the need for separate alignment features and fastening mechanisms, reducing overall complexity despite the added spring component.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded fingers automatically engage with the bayonet protrusion when the lens module is inserted, maintaining alignment and securing the connection without requiring additional fastening actions. The mechanism serves itself by using elastic deformation to provide both engagement and alignment functions.
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
Facilitates easy replacement of lenses while maintaining alignment, ensuring clear image capture and reducing the need for full device replacement due to lens damage or misalignment.
Implementation Method 1
the spring plate is configured to elastically deform when the spring plate engages the one or more fingers of the bayonet to compress the replaceable lens module towards the lens barrel
Data Source
AI summary
The present teachings provide an image capture device that includes a lens barrel disposed in a body of the image capture device. A bayonet is coupled to the lens barrel and includes one or more fingers that project outward from the bayonet. The image capture device also includes a replaceable lens module configured to releasably couple to the bayonet. The replaceable lens module includes a retaining ring, a lens positioned in an opening of the retaining ring, and a spring plate coupled to an interior surface of the retaining ring. The spring plate is configured to engage the one or more fingers of the bayonet to releasably couple the replaceable lens module to the bayonet. Additionally, the spring plate is configured to elastically deform when the spring plate engages the one or more fingers of the bayonet to compress the replaceable lens module towards the lens barrel.