Self-centering locking lens holder for focus stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lens holder systems for imaging devices face challenges in maintaining the adjusted focal length or focal point due to temperature changes, movement, and vibration, leading to out-of-focus images and the need for frequent adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A lens mounting system with a locking member that includes a threaded through hole and interlocking portions to securely engage with a lens base, allowing for adjustable and lockable positioning of the lens assembly, preventing unintended rotation and maintaining focus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a lens holder system allows for manual or automatic adjustment of focal length, then focus precision can be optimized, but the system becomes vulnerable to unintended changes due to temperature, movement, and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fixed mounting to a dynamic adjustable mounting that can be locked in place. The lens assembly can be rotated to adjust focal length during operation, then locked using the locking member with interlocking portions that engage with receiving portions, allowing the system to switch between dynamic adjustment and static stability as needed
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is extracted as a separate functional component from the lens mounting structure. The locking member with its threaded through hole and interlocking portions can be independently engaged with the lens assembly and lens base, providing a dedicated mechanism that addresses focus stability without compromising the adjustment capability
2Measurement precision
If the lens assembly is made adjustable for focal length, then imaging quality can be optimized, but frequent adjustments are needed due to environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism provides a feedback system where the interlocking portions engage with receiving portions to confirm and maintain the adjusted focal length position. This engagement feedback prevents unintended changes from environmental factors, reducing the need for frequent adjustments and maintaining imaging quality over time
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent unintended rotation, then focus stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the existing lens mounting structure rather than being a completely separate system. The locking member integrates with the lens assembly and lens base through threaded connections and interlocking portions, combining the locking function with the existing mounting architecture to minimize additional complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly and a locking member for locking and centering a threaded lens assembly with relation to a lens base is disclosed. The locking member includes a threaded through hole configured to thread onto one of a threaded lens base or the threaded lens assembly. The locking member further includes an interlocking portion configured to engage with a receiving portion of the other of the threaded lens base or a threaded lens assembly, wherein the engagement between the interlocking portion and the receiving portion prevents the threaded lens assembly from moving with relation to the lens base.