Retractable Lens Groups for Miniaturized Camera Barrel
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lens barrels face challenges in further miniaturization, particularly in reducing the thickness of telescopic lens cylinders in a collapsed position, as they often require one lens group to be retracted out of the optical axis, limiting the reduction of the camera's overall thickness.
Innovation Solution
A lens barrel design featuring a fixed frame with a telescopic cylinder, multiple lens groups, and a lens driving device that allows two retractable lens groups to be retracted into the cylinder when extended, and vice versa, minimizing the longitudinal optical axis length and avoiding collisions, while maintaining optical performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If one lens group is retracted out of the optical axis when the lens groups are collapsed, then the thickness of the camera can be reduced, but the reduction in thickness is limited and further miniaturization cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The lens groups are divided into two categories: retractable lens groups (first and second lens groups) that can be moved out of the optical axis, and non-retractable lens groups (third and fourth lens groups) that remain on the optical axis. This segmentation allows selective retraction of specific lens groups to achieve greater thickness reduction while maintaining optical functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable lens groups are moved from the optical axis position to positions above and below the optical axis when collapsed. This dimensional change allows the lens groups to be stored in a different spatial arrangement, reducing the longitudinal thickness of the camera body while preserving the ability to form complete optical paths when extended.
2Length of stationary object
If the telescopic cylinder is made shorter to reduce camera thickness, then the camera can be miniaturized, but the lens groups may collide during extension and retraction
Solution Approach 1:
When the telescopic cylinder is in the collapsed position, the retractable lens groups are positioned above and below the optical axis rather than on the optical axis itself. This spatial separation in a different dimension prevents collision between lens groups during extension and retraction operations, allowing the use of a shorter telescopic cylinder.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens driving device controls the retraction and extension of lens groups in a predetermined sequence. Before extending the telescopic cylinder, the retractable lens groups are retracted to safe positions above and below the optical axis. This preliminary action ensures that lens groups will not collide during subsequent extension operations.
3Length of stationary object
If multiple lens groups are retracted into the same position, then the thickness of the telescopic cylinder can be further reduced, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lens driving device performs multiple functions: it controls the extension and retraction of all lens groups along the optical axis, and separately controls the retraction of specific lens groups to positions above and below the optical axis. This multi-functional mechanism manages multiple lens groups using a unified control system, reducing overall structural complexity despite the increased functionality required.
Data Source
AI summary
At least one object of the present invention is to provide a lens barrel, including: a fixed frame (21) having a fixed cylinder (21); a telescopic cylinder (22, 23, 24, etc.) configured to be accommodated within the fixed cylinder (21); a plurality of lens groups (11, 12) configured to be retained in the telescopic cylinder; a lens driving device (51, 52, etc.) configured to drive the plurality of lens groups along a optical axis of the telescopic cylinder between a collapsed position and an extended position; and two retractable lens groups (13, 14) configured to be retracted into the telescopic cylinder when the telescopic cylinder is in the extended position and configured to be retracted out of the telescopic cylinder when the telescopic cylinder is in the collapsed position.