Tuning Focus Apparatus Manual Lens Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical device cameras, such as endoscopes and otoscopes, face challenges in adjusting focal distance due to limited space, requiring complex and expensive auto-focusing systems, necessitating a simple, low-cost, and easy-to-operate manual solution to adjust the separation between the optical lens and image sensor.
Innovation Solution
A tuning focus apparatus that slidably adjusts the image sensor relative to the optical lens using a gear housing, drive gear, driven gear, gear rack, and sensor board, allowing manual rotation to increase or decrease the separation distance between the image sensor and optical lens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a focus adjusting system that changes the position of the optical lens relative to the image sensor is used, then the focal distance can be adjusted, but the system becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the optical lens relative to the image sensor as in conventional systems, this invention moves the image sensor relative to the optical lens. The sensor is mounted on a movable platform that can be positioned along the optical axis, inverting the traditional approach to focus adjustment while achieving the same functional result with simpler mechanics
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex multi-component mechanical focus systems with a simplified mechanism consisting of a movable platform, springs, and positioning elements. This substitution reduces the number of moving parts and mechanical complexity while maintaining the ability to adjust focal distance
2Volume of moving object
If the camera housing space is reduced for small diameter medical devices, then the device becomes more compact, but the focal distance adjustment capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is mounted on a movable platform that can dynamically adjust its position along the optical axis. This dynamic positioning capability allows focal distance adjustment within a compact housing, as the sensor can be moved to different positions rather than requiring fixed spacing between lens and sensor
Solution Approach 2:
The movable platform containing the image sensor is nested within the camera housing, allowing the sensor to move along the optical axis while remaining contained within the compact housing volume. This nesting approach enables focus adjustment without increasing the overall device diameter
3Ease of operation
If auto-focusing lens systems are used, then focus adjustment is automated, but the system becomes expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides manual focus adjustment capability through a user interface that allows direct control of the image sensor position. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex automated focus systems while still providing ease of operation through intuitive manual controls
Data Source
AI summary
A tuning focus apparatus designed for use with a camera coupled to a medical device is provided. The camera includes a base housing for storing an image sensor and an optical lens. The tuning focus apparatus includes a gear housing coupled to the base housing, a drive gear rotatably mounted to the gear housing, a driven gear rotatably mounted to the gear housing and connected to the drive gear, a gear rack disposed in the base housing and engaged with the driven gear, and a board coupled to the gear rack and designed to secure the image sensor thereon. Rotational movement of the drive gear drives the driven gear to slidably adjust the gear rack, thereby adjusting a separation distance between the image sensor and optical lens.