Screw Component Dual-Flank Protrusions for Lens Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image capturing devices face challenges in maintaining accurate positioning of lens holders with respect to lens barrel components due to manufacturing variations and thermal expansion, leading to potential displacement and the need for high manufacturing accuracy.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of screw components with protruding portions on both flanks of the screw threads of one screw member to ensure contact with both flanks of the other screw member, preventing displacement and maintaining accurate alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If protruding portions are provided on only one flank of the screw thread, then the structure is simpler, but the lens holder may be displaced due to manufacturing variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of displacementVSAvoidstructure of screw thread

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The screw thread is segmented into two distinct flanks (first flank and second flank), with protruding portions provided on both flanks. This segmentation ensures that contact occurs at multiple points, preventing displacement even when manufacturing variations exist in one particular contact point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If high manufacturing accuracy is required to prevent displacement considering thermal expansion, then displacement prevention is improved, but manufacturing cost and difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of displacementVSAvoidmanufacturing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Protruding portions are provided in advance on both flanks of the screw thread before assembly. This beforehand preparation creates multiple contact points that cushion against displacement caused by thermal expansion and manufacturing variations, reducing the stringency of manufacturing accuracy requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the screw thread contact is limited to one flank, then the engagement is simpler, but contact area and stability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of engagementVSAvoidscrew thread configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different flanks of the screw thread are provided with protruding portions at specific locations, creating local quality variations. The first flank has protruding portions at different positions than the second flank, optimizing contact distribution to enhance engagement stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS8379332B2Screw component and image capturing device

Publication Date: 2013.02.19 PANASONIC HOLDINGS CORP

AI summary

A screw component including lens holder and lens barrel component engaged with each other, and protruding portions respectively provided on each of both flanks of screw thread of lens holder. When lens holder is engaged with the lens barrel component, screw thread of lens holder is brought into contact with both flanks of a screw thread of the lens barrel component, it is possible to prevent lens holder and the lens barrel component from being displaced from each other.