Focal Plane Shutter Dual Viewfinder Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing focal plane shutters for digital cameras with locking-type constitution cannot perform shooting with both optical and electronic viewfinders, requiring additional components like half mirrors, which increases cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A focal plane shutter design with two shutter blades, featuring a front and rear blade locking mechanism, electromagnets, and a hold mechanism that allows for both optical and electronic viewfinder shooting modes by controlling the blades' movement and interaction with iron-core members, enabling selection between shooting modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a focal plane shutter is designed with locking-type constitution for digital cameras, then the shutter can maintain set state reliably, but it cannot perform shooting with both optical and electronic viewfinders without additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the shutter blade trajectories and locking mechanisms adjustable between different operational modes. The front and rear blades can switch between a first trajectory for optical viewfinder shooting (with locking) and a second trajectory for electronic viewfinder shooting (without locking), allowing the same hardware to adapt to different shooting modes dynamically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a single focal plane shutter mechanism that can perform both optical viewfinder shooting and electronic viewfinder shooting functions. The shutter system universally supports multiple shooting modes through configurable blade trajectories and locking mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate shutter designs for different viewfinder types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional components like half mirrors are added to support both optical and electronic viewfinders, then shooting mode versatility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates additional components by making the existing focal plane shutter universally capable of supporting both optical and electronic viewfinders. The same shutter blades and locking mechanisms are configured to work in both modes, removing the need for half mirrors or other additional optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of optical viewfinder shooting and electronic viewfinder shooting into a single shutter mechanism. By combining the trajectory control and locking capabilities into one integrated system, the patent avoids the need for separate mechanical paths or additional components for different shooting modes.
3Reliability
If the hold means is activated to press lock-releasing members against biasing forces, then the blades remain in set state, but the blades cannot be released for exposure operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical release mechanism with an electromagnetic release system. Electromagnets are used to attract iron-core members on the lock-releasing members, providing a more responsive and controllable release mechanism that can quickly overcome the biasing forces of the releasing springs when activation is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces iron-core members as intermediaries between the electromagnets and the lock-releasing members. These iron-core members are attracted by the electromagnets to trigger the release of the locking members, providing a smooth transition from the held set state to the active exposure state.
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
Enables seamless switching between optical and electronic viewfinder shooting modes without the need for additional components, improving camera performance and reducing costs by simplifying the shutter mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a lock-releasing member for the front blade which is made to come into contact with an iron-core member of an electromagnet for the front blade in the set state
Implementation Method 2
rotated by the biasing force of a front blade driving spring so as to start the exposure operation of the front blade
Data Source
AI summary
When a hold member rotates on a shaft counterclockwise in the set operation, pressing parts of a pressing member which is fitted on top end of the hold member press pressed parts of iron piece members to rotate a lock-releasing member for a first blade and a lock-releasing member for a rear blade so that the iron piece members are made to come into contact with iron-core members of electromagnets, while an engagement pin presses an arm of a connection spring to rotate a restraining member clockwise so that a restraining part of the restraining member moves into the trajectory of the movement of a restrained part of the lock-releasing member for the rear blade. When the coils of the electromagnets are not electrified and the hold member rotates clockwise, the lock-releasing member for the front blade presses a front blade locking member to make it possible to perform an open operation of the front blade, while the lock-releasing member for the rear blade cannot press a rear blade locking member because the lock-releasing member for the rear blade is restrained by the restraining member. As a result, an exposure aperture is fully opened, and it becomes possible to perform observation with electronic finder.