Optical Image Stabilizer with Segmented Gimbal Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical image stabilizers for telescopic instruments like monoculars and binoculars face limitations in miniaturization and weight savings, while also being limited in their ability to effectively correct for vibrations, leading to image degradation due to hand-shakings and vehicle movements.
Innovation Solution
A miniaturized, weight-saved optical image stabilizer with a gimbal mechanism that includes voice coil motors and a position detector system, allowing the erect prism to rotate on two orthogonal axes, compensating for image distortions caused by external vibrations, and maintaining image stability through precise control of the gimbal frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional optical image stabilizer with a single prism holder frame and gimbal device is used, then the structure can compensate for image-shakings, but the device size and weight cannot be sufficiently reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single prism holder frame into separate right and left prism holder frames, each independently mounting erect prisms for respective telescopic optical systems. This segmentation allows each prism holder to be independently optimized and reduces the overall structural weight while maintaining stabilization capability for both optical channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional arrangement by positioning prism holder frames at different locations (right and left sides) rather than consolidating them in a single central location. This spatial distribution reduces the moment of inertia and allows for more efficient weight management while maintaining balance and stabilization performance.
2Device complexity
If a conventional optical image stabilizer with a single prism holder frame is used, then the gimbal device can be simplified, but the right and left telescopic optical systems become disconformable in physical relationship
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single gimbal device into separate gimbal devices for right and left telescopic optical systems. Each gimbal device independently controls its respective prism holder frame, ensuring that the physical relationships and optical paths of both systems remain consistent and conformable during vibration compensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces separate control mechanisms as intermediaries between the vibration detection system and each prism holder frame. These intermediary control systems ensure that both right and left optical systems receive appropriate compensation signals while maintaining their independent physical relationships, preventing disconformity.
3Device complexity
If a conventional optical image stabilizer with centrally located vertical axis of rotation is used, then the structure is simplified, but the erect prisms are displaced in axial position causing different visual appearance in right and left optical systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the centrally located vertical axis of rotation into distinct vertical axes for right and left gimbal devices. Each axis is positioned to maintain the correct axial relationship with its respective erect prism, preventing axial displacement and ensuring consistent visual appearance across both optical systems while retaining structural simplicity.
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
The solution effectively compensates for image deteriorations caused by hand-shakings and vehicle vibrations, providing a stable and clear image while being compact and cost-effective, suitable for a broad range of telescopic optical instruments including monoculars and binoculars.
Implementation Method 1
The gimbal means is further provided with a pair of voice coil motors for actuating the external gimbal frame and the internal gimbal frame on the first and the second axis of rotation, respectively
Implementation Method 2
a position detector element disposed in the empty space of the loop-shaped coil for providing a position signal indicating a position of the loop-shaped coil relative to the permanent magnet
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~2
Figure 3(a)~3(d)
Figure 4(a)~4(b)
AI summary
An optical image stabilizer for a telescopic instrument having an objective lens, an erect prism, and an eyepiece lens arranged in this order which is capable of compensating for image deteriorations of an observed image due to external vibrations. The optical image stabilizer has a gimbal device mounted on a telescope housing, an external gimbal frame rotatably mounted on the gimbal casing, and an internal gimbal frame with the erect prism fixed thereto. Voice coil motors are provided for rotating the external and the internal gimbal frames. One of the voice coil motors has a coil disposed on the circuit board and a permanent magnet disposed on either one of the external and the internal gimbal frames oppositely to the coil. The remaining voice coil motor has a coil disposed on the circuit board and a permanent magnet disposed on the other gimbal frame oppositely to the coil.