Variable Power Lens Drive Ring Coupler for Compact CCTV Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional variable power lenses face spatial restrictions within large lens barrels, particularly in camera lenses for CCTV cameras with auto iris systems, due to the interference of rotational rings with internal components, limiting the installation of long rotational rings.
Innovation Solution
A variable power lens design featuring a linear guide ring and drive ring coupler with rotation transmission keys and key grooves, allowing the first and second lens group drive rings to integrally rotate for power variation while enabling independent movement for focusing, thus avoiding the need for a completely annular coupling structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a long rotational ring is installed to control multiple lens groups, then the variable power lens can achieve proper power variation and focusing control, but the rotational ring interferes with the auto iris unit and other internal components in the lens barrel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single long rotational ring into multiple separate rotational rings, each controlling specific lens groups. The first rotational ring controls the first lens group for power variation, while the second rotational ring controls the second lens group for focusing. This segmentation eliminates the interference between the rotational ring and auto iris unit, allowing proper operation without spatial conflict.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a third rotational ring that rotates in a different dimension (optical axis direction) compared to the traditional planar rotational rings. This third ring controls the position of the first and second rotational rings along the optical axis, enabling independent control of lens groups without increasing the radial footprint that would interfere with the auto iris unit.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a completely annular coupling structure is used to connect drive rings, then the lens groups can be controlled integrally, but the structure occupies excessive space within the lens barrel
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a complete annular coupling structure, the patent employs discrete coupling elements positioned at specific locations. The coupling element connects the first and second rotational rings at a predetermined position, providing integral control only where needed while leaving the rest of the structure open, thus reducing the overall space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coupling element as an intermediary component that transmits rotational motion between the first and second rotational rings. This coupling element acts as a mediator to maintain integral control of lens groups while occupying minimal space compared to a complete annular structure, as it only needs to transmit force at specific connection points.
Data Source
AI summary
A variable power lens, having first and second lens groups, includes first and second lens group support frames, a linear guide ring, first and second lens group drive rings which rotate to move the first and second lens group support rings in the optical axis direction relative to the linear guide ring, a drive ring coupler which couples the first and second lens group drive rings with each other to prevent relative rotation therebetween while allowing relative movement therebetween in the optical axis direction; and a drive-ring movement controller which integrally rotates the first and second lens group drive rings via the drive ring coupler without relatively moving in the optical axis direction when a power-variation operating member is operated, and moves one of the first and the second lens group drive rings in the optical axis direction without rotating when a focus operating member is operated.