Shutter Unit Elastic Member Impact Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shutter units in digital cameras face challenges in securely attaching and stabilizing the shutter mechanism, leading to potential damage from impact forces during operation, which can result in image quality issues such as shutter shock.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an annular elastic member press-fitted into through holes with specific dimensions on the shutter unit's supports, allowing for elastic deformation to absorb impact forces and maintain stable attachment to the camera body, utilizing a combination of fastening members and elastic absorption to prevent movement and rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the shutter unit is fixed to the camera body using conventional fastening methods, then the shutter can be securely attached, but impact forces during shutter operation can cause damage and image distortion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshutter unit stabilityVSAvoidimpact force damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating an elastic member between the shutter unit and camera body that is pre-configured to absorb impact forces before they can cause damage. The elastic member is positioned in advance to cushion the shock generated during shutter operation, preventing direct transmission of impact forces to the image sensor and other sensitive components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic member serves as an intermediary element between the shutter unit and the camera body. This mediator component absorbs and dampens impact forces generated during shutter operation, preventing direct mechanical coupling that would transmit harmful vibrations and shocks to the image sensor, thereby eliminating shutter shock while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the shutter unit is firmly fixed to prevent movement, then attachment stability is improved, but impact forces during operation can still cause damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidresistance to impact damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the elastic properties of the elastic member to dynamically adjust the mechanical coupling between the shutter unit and camera body. The elastic member maintains stable attachment under normal conditions while changing its mechanical parameters during impact events to absorb shock forces, thus protecting the shutter mechanism from damage while maintaining attachment stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If conventional fastening methods are used to secure the shutter unit, then the shutter can be firmly attached, but shutter shock can still occur causing image quality issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshutter attachment reliabilityVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic member acts as an intermediary that decouples the direct mechanical connection between the shutter unit and camera body. This intermediary component absorbs vibrations and impact forces that would otherwise be transmitted to the image sensor, preventing shutter shock artifacts and maintaining image quality while preserving reliable shutter attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful impact forces and vibrations generated during shutter operation into beneficial elastic deformation of the elastic member. By designing the elastic member to absorb these forces, the harmful shock that would cause image quality issues is transformed into a cushioning effect that protects the imaging system while maintaining shutter functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 configuration effectively absorbs impact forces and maintains the shutter unit's stability, preventing damage and image distortion caused by shutter shock, ensuring reliable operation and improved image quality.

Implementation Method 1

an annular elastic member for absorbing impact generated when the shutter is driven

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10295886B2Shutter unit, imaging apparatus provided with shutter unit

Publication Date: 2019.05.21 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

An imaging apparatus includes a shutter for controlling object light incident to an image sensor, a holding frame holding the shutter, an annular elastic member for absorbing impact generated when the shutter is driven, a first fastening member engaging with an inner circumferential surface of the annular elastic member, a first body-side support provided to a body of the imaging apparatus, and a first holding-frame-side support provided to the holding frame. On either of the first body-side support and the first holding-frame-side support, a through hole is formed, into which the annular elastic member is press-fitted. A length of an inner circumference of the through hole is greater than a length of an outer circumference of the annular elastic member when the through hole is seen from a direction to which the first fastening member is fastened. Another of the body-side support and the first holding-frame-side support is fastened with the first fastening member.