Viewfinder Support Mechanism for Compact Camera Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional viewfinder supporting mechanisms in image pickup apparatuses are complex and bulky due to the large number of components required for sliding and rotating functionality, which complicates the configuration and increases the size of the camera.
Innovation Solution
A simplified supporting mechanism using a base member with linear and circular rails, and a holding member with supporting shafts that allow the viewfinder to slide and rotate, reducing the number of components and enhancing compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional supporting mechanism components (base member, first slide member, second slide member, flat spring members) are used to enable viewfinder sliding and rotating functionality, then the viewfinder can slide and rotate, but the number of components increases and the configuration becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (base member, first slide member, second slide member, flat spring members) into a single integrated base member that contains both linear rails for sliding and circular rails for rotating functionality. This consolidation reduces the number of components while maintaining the required viewfinder movement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The base member is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both the sliding guide (via linear rails) and rotating guide (via circular rails) simultaneously. This single component performs multiple functions that previously required separate components, thereby simplifying the overall mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If multiple guide slots and slits are formed on the base member for sliding and click-stop functionality, then the viewfinder can slide with click-stop feeling, but the base member becomes large in the up-down direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from using multiple horizontal guide slots to using vertical circular rails for the click-stop functionality. By changing the orientation and dimension of the guiding structure from horizontal to vertical/circular, the base member height is reduced while maintaining the click-stop effect through the engagement of protrusions with the circular rail grooves.
3Ease of operation
If a rotation member and spring member are added to give click-stop feeling in the rotating direction, then the viewfinder can rotate with click-stop feeling, but the number of components further increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rotating mechanism and click-stop mechanism into a single integrated system using the circular rail structure. The protrusion-circular groove engagement provides both the rotation guidance and the click-stop functionality simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate rotation members and spring members.
Solution Approach 2:
The circular rail structure serves multiple functions: it guides the rotation of the viewfinder, provides the click-stop feeling through groove-protrusion engagement, and eliminates the need for separate spring members or rotation-specific components. This multi-functional design reduces component count while maintaining operational quality.
Data Source
AI summary
An image pickup apparatus that reduces the number of components of a supporting mechanism for a viewfinder. A base member of the mechanism is fixed to the apparatus body, has side wall sections at both sides, and has a linear rail extended along the pulling direction and at least one circular rail extended from the linear rail on each of the side wall sections. A holding member of the mechanism is arranged inside the side wall sections of the base member while holding the viewfinder, has side walls at both sides in the width direction, has supporting shafts for each side wall that are connected to the side wall and can slide along the linear rail, is slidable in the pulling direction with the viewfinder, and is rotatable in a pulled state by moving at least one supporting shaft along the circular rail around the other supporting shaft.