Focal Plane Shutter Mechanism Using Reversible Charging Actuator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional focal plane shuttering apparatuses require complex mechanisms to switch between normally opened and closed states, involving dedicated actuators and locking members, which complicates the transition and increases operational time.
Innovation Solution
A focal plane shuttering apparatus that changes states by reversing the direction of a charging actuator, eliminating the need for dedicated locking and unlocking mechanisms, and utilizing elastic members and electromagnets to control the curtains' movement, allowing for easier switching between normally opened and closed states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated locking members and actuators are used to switch between normally opened and closed states, then the shutter can maintain stable states, but the mechanism becomes complex and operational time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the dedicated locking members from the shutter mechanism. Instead of using separate locking components to maintain the normally opened or closed states, the shutter relies on the elastic biasing forces of the first and second elastic members to automatically maintain stable states, thereby extracting the complex locking mechanism while preserving state stability
Solution Approach 2:
The charging actuator is given multiple functions: it not only charges the elastic members to drive curtain movement but also indirectly controls the shutter state transitions by applying or releasing biasing force. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated actuators for locking and state switching, reducing overall device complexity
2Reliability
If dedicated locking members and actuators are used to switch between normally opened and closed states, then the shutter can maintain stable states, but the operational time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic members are pre-charged by the charging actuator to store potential energy before shutter operation is needed. This preliminary charging action ensures that when state switching is required, the curtains can move rapidly under the pre-stored elastic biasing force, reducing the time required for state transitions while maintaining stable arrival at the target state
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic elastic members that can rapidly adjust their biasing force to drive the curtains between positions. The elastic members provide continuous, adaptable force during movement, enabling faster and more responsive state switching compared to mechanical locking mechanisms, thereby reducing operational time while ensuring stable endpoint positioning
3Ease of operation
If a charging actuator applies biasing force to elastic members to drive curtains, then the shutter can switch states easily, but the control mechanism becomes simpler
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking and switching mechanisms with an electromechanical system. The charging actuator (electromagnetic or electric motor) applies biasing force to the elastic members, which then drive the curtains through elastic deformation. This substitution of mechanical locking with electromagnetic actuation simplifies the control mechanism while improving ease of operation for state switching
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
This solution simplifies the state switching process, reduces operational time, and enables efficient control of the shutter in both modes, enhancing the camera's performance in continuous shooting and live view functions.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic member which generates biasing force to make the front curtain run in such a direction as to get the front curtain retracted from the aperture
Implementation Method 2
a second elastic member which generates biasing force to make the rear curtain run in such a direction as to have the rear curtain cover the aperture
Implementation Method 3
a charging member which applies biasing force to the first and second elastic members
Data Source
AI summary
This focal plane shuttering apparatus includes: front and rear curtains; first and second elastic members which generate biasing force to make the front and rear curtains run in such a direction as to get the front and rear curtains retracted from an aperture; a charging member which applies biasing force to those elastic members; a front curtain locking member which keeps the front curtain retracted from the aperture when the charging member applies biasing force to the first elastic member; a rear curtain locking member which keeps the aperture covered with the rear curtain when the charging member applies biasing force to the second elastic member; two switches which turn synchronously with those locking members; and an unlocking member which is interlocked with the charging member that unlocks those locking members.