Waterproof Mount Module With Interlocking Movable Claws

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bayonet connection systems for image pickup apparatuses face issues with lens barrel shakiness and compromised waterproofness, especially with large-sized lenses, due to the reliance on energizing members, which can lead to gaps and reduced sealing effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a mount module design that incorporates a fixed and movable mount member with an operation ring, along with strategically placed O-rings to fill gaps and prevent water and dust infiltration, without enlarging the module's size, ensuring secure lens attachment and enhanced waterproofing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the lens barrel is held with only the energization force of the energizing member, then the structure is simple, but the lens barrel causes shakiness and waterproofness is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestructureVSAvoidwaterproofness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A sealing member (O-ring) is introduced as an intermediary element between the lens barrel and mount member to provide waterproof sealing. The sealing member fills gaps and prevents water infiltration without requiring complex additional holding structures, thus maintaining structural simplicity while improving waterproofness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing member is made of flexible elastic material that can deform to fill irregular gaps between the lens barrel and mount member. This flexible sealing approach provides effective waterproofing while adapting to the existing rigid structure, avoiding the need for complex adjustable holding mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If a holding member with groove and O-ring is arranged on outer periphery of mount member, then waterproofness is improved, but the entire mount module is enlarged

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovewaterproofnessVSAvoidmount module size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is merged with the existing mount member structure by forming a groove directly on the mount member's outer periphery. The O-ring is placed within this groove, combining the sealing function with the mounting structure itself, thus avoiding the need for separate holding members and preventing module enlargement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The groove for the O-ring is created only at specific locations where waterproofing is needed (at the interface between mount member and lens barrel), rather than requiring a complete structural redesign. This localized approach provides sealing where necessary without adding unnecessary volume to the entire mount module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If large-sized lens barrel is attached, then the lens barrel can be mounted, but shakiness easily occurs and waterproofness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens barrel mountingVSAvoidlens barrel stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing member acts as an intermediary that fills gaps between the lens barrel and mount member, preventing water infiltration that could cause corrosion and instability. This mediator element enhances the overall stability and waterproofness of the assembly, particularly for large-sized lens barrels that are more prone to shakiness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This design effectively improves the waterproofness of the mount module while maintaining a compact size, preventing lens barrel shakiness and ensuring reliable sealing against water and dust ingress, even with large lenses.

Implementation Method 1

strategically placed O-rings to fill gaps and prevent water and dust infiltration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 2

an elastic member, arranged in a groove formed on a mount member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3985432B1Mount module with waterproofness and image pickup apparatus equipped with mount module

Publication Date: 2025.01.15 CANON KK

Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3

AI summary

A mount module that is capable of improving waterproofness without enlarging its size. The mount module to which a lens barrel having claws is attachable includes a base member, a fixed mount member, a movable member, movable claws, first and second sealing member. A fixed mount member has a first mount surface that abuts to a second mount surface of the lens barrel. The movable member is arranged between the fixed mount member and the base member rotatably around an optical axis. The movable claws engage with the claws of the lens barrel and move in an optical axis direction by interlocking with rotation of the movable member. The first sealing member is arranged between the movable member and the fixed mount member. And the second sealing member is arranged between the movable member and the base member.