Stereo Lens Assembly With Nested Holders for Narrow Image-Side Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stereo lens apparatuses face challenges in accommodating holding mechanisms for image-side lens units when the distance between them is narrowed, making it difficult to attach to general lens-interchangeable type image pickup apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
The stereo lens apparatus includes two optical systems with bent optical paths and holding mechanisms that allow image-side lens units to be held within a narrowed distance, using concave and convex portions to secure the third lens units, and allows for focus adjustment by moving the entire optical systems in the optical axis direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between image-side lens units is narrowed to enable attachment to lens-interchangeable type image pickup apparatus, then the adaptability and compactness are improved, but it becomes difficult to dispose holding mechanisms that hold each image-side lens unit
Solution Approach 1:
The holding mechanisms are nested within each other through the interlocking convex and concave portions. The first holding mechanism includes a convex portion that fits into a concave portion of the second holding mechanism, allowing both mechanisms to occupy overlapping spatial volumes and thus accommodating them within the narrowed distance between image-side lens units.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding mechanisms utilize the depth dimension (optical axis direction) by extending convex and concave portions along the optical axis. This allows the holding mechanisms to be disposed not only in the lateral direction but also in the depth direction, effectively using three-dimensional space to accommodate the holding mechanisms within the narrowed lateral distance.
2Length of stationary object
If the distance between image-side lens units is narrowed, then the compactness and ease of attachment are improved, but the ability to accommodate holding mechanisms deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The holding mechanisms are nested within each other through the interlocking convex and concave portions. The first holding mechanism includes a convex portion that fits into a concave portion of the second holding mechanism, allowing both mechanisms to occupy overlapping spatial volumes and thus accommodating them within the narrowed distance between image-side lens units.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding mechanisms are segmented into multiple functional portions: convex portions for interlocking, concave portions for receiving, and holding portions for securing the lens units. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function efficiently within the constrained space, with the convex and concave portions working together to provide both structural support and space-saving integration.
3Length of stationary object
If holding mechanisms are designed to hold image-side lens units within narrowed distance, then the compactness is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding mechanisms employ asymmetric convex and concave portions that are specifically shaped to interlock with each other. The convex portion of one holding mechanism is designed to fit precisely into the concave portion of the other, creating an asymmetric interlocking structure that provides both compactness and structural integrity within the narrowed distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding mechanisms are nested within each other through the interlocking convex and concave portions. The first holding mechanism includes a convex portion that fits into a concave portion of the second holding mechanism, allowing both mechanisms to occupy overlapping spatial volumes and thus accommodating them within the narrowed distance between image-side lens units.
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 the attachment of the stereo lens apparatus to image pickup apparatuses while maintaining optical performance and providing high external appearance quality, enabling stereoscopic image capture with improved dustproof and drip-proof performance.
Implementation Method 1
two reflective members are provided in each optical system so that optical paths are bent
Data Source
AI summary
A stereo lens apparatus includes two optical systems arranged in parallel. Each of the two optical systems includes, in order from an object side to an image side, first to third lens units. An optical path is bent at a position between the first and second lens units and at a position between the second and third lens units in each of the two optical systems so that an inter-optical axis distance between two third lens units is narrower than an inter-optical axis distance between two first lens units. Part of one holding mechanism of two holding mechanisms that are configured to respectively hold the two third lens units is located in a concave portion provided on the other holding mechanism, and part of the other holding mechanism is located in a convex portion provided on the one holding mechanism.