Adjustable Underwater Viewfinder with External Prism Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Underwater photographers using Single Lens Reflex cameras face difficulties in seeing a clear image due to the compression of the viewfinder image caused by the distance between their eyes and the ocular lens, and existing enhanced viewfinders require adjustments to be made before diving, which are cumbersome and cannot be done in use.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable underwater viewfinder with a watertight body and moveable prisms controlled by an external mechanism, allowing for instant adjustments to the optical path length without disassembling the device, enabling compensation for different eyesight while underwater.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a wide angle viewer is used to bring full view of the image to the user, then the viewing area is improved, but the image becomes compressed and looks very small
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable prism that can be adjusted along the optical axis to change the optical path length dynamically. This allows the system to adapt to different viewing distances and eyesight requirements, resolving the contradiction between providing a wide viewing area and maintaining image clarity by optimizing the optical path configuration.
2Ease of operation
If the photographer positions his eye 60mm to 70mm away from the ocular lens due to housing distance and diving mask, then the comfort is improved, but the whole image cannot be seen through the ocular lens
Solution Approach 1:
The movable prism mechanism allows adjustment of the optical path length to accommodate the increased distance between the photographer's eye and the ocular lens. By extending the optical path, the system enables the photographer to view the complete image comfortably from a distance of 60mm to 70mm, resolving the contradiction between viewing comfort and visible image area.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional enhanced viewfinder is used, then the image view is improved, but the eyesight adjustment requires disassembly and reassembly which is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable prism that can be adjusted while the device is assembled and in use underwater. This eliminates the need for disassembly and reassembly, allowing photographers to make instant adjustments to compensate for different eyesight requirements, thereby resolving the contradiction between image view quality and adjustment convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is designed to be operable from the exterior of the housing, allowing the user to perform the adjustment independently without requiring disassembly. The user can directly operate the control mechanism to move the prism and achieve the desired focus, making the system self-serviceable and eliminating the cumbersome assembly process.
4Manufacturing precision
If eyesight adjustment is made by moving the ocular lens forward or backward, then the eyesight compensation is achieved, but the adjustment cannot be made once the camera is installed inside the underwater housing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable prism as an intermediary element that can be adjusted to change the optical path length. This prism is controlled by a mechanism on the exterior of the housing, allowing eyesight compensation to be achieved without directly moving the ocular lens or disassembling the housing. The intermediary prism enables adjustment while maintaining the sealed underwater environment.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of mechanically moving the ocular lens to achieve eyesight compensation, the patent substitutes this mechanical adjustment with the movement of a prism within the optical path. This substitution allows adjustment to be made from the exterior of the housing through a control mechanism, improving accessibility while maintaining the integrity of the underwater housing system.
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 continuous and instant focus adjustments, allowing photographers to visualize the effect of changes and make necessary adjustments underwater, improving usability for varying eyesight without repeated assembly and disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
An adjustable underwater viewfinder with a watertight body and moveable prisms controlled by an external mechanism, allowing for instant adjustments to the optical path length
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
The invention resides in an adjustment device comprising an enhanced underwater viewfinder (14, 41) having, in use, a substantially watertight body and including a plurality of prisms (15, 16, and 17 or 42, 43) within the body, at least one of the prisms (17, 42 or 43) being moveable by means of a control mechanism (27, 65) operable from a position exterior of the body.