Zoom Lens Torque Adjustment Mechanism for Drive Unit Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical apparatuses with detachable drive units for lens barrels face issues such as discomfort during operation due to backlash and torque imbalances, leading to deviations in image movement relative to operation ring rotation.
Innovation Solution
An optical apparatus featuring a first member rotatable about an optical axis, a second member rotatable about the optical axis, a third member movable in the optical axis direction, a biasing member applying a rotational load, and an adjustment mechanism that adjusts the rotational load, allowing for manual or drive-unit-assisted operation without causing discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the rotational torque of the operation ring is set to be relatively large to prevent inadvertent rotation during manual operation, then the operation ring is not inadvertently rotated, but the power consumption increases when the drive unit is attached
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic torque adjustment mechanism where the rotational load on the operation ring is automatically modified based on whether a drive unit is attached. When the drive unit is attached, the biasing member's rotational load is reduced, allowing easy rotation with low power consumption. When the drive unit is removed, the rotational load increases to prevent inadvertent rotation during manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of rotational torque dynamically. By adjusting the biasing force of the biasing member based on drive unit attachment status, the system transitions between high torque (manual mode) and low torque (automated mode), resolving the contradiction between reliability and power consumption.
2Device complexity
If frictional load is applied to one point of the operation ring from the radial direction, then the structure is simplified, but backlash occurs when the operation ring is reversed causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies frictional load at multiple circumferential points rather than a single point, creating uniform radial pressure around the operation ring. This distributed local quality approach eliminates backlash during reverse operation while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of a circumferentially uniform biasing mechanism.
3Device complexity
If frictional load is applied to one point of the operation ring, then the structure is simplified, but deviation between operation ring operation and optical system movement occurs causing delay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent distributes the frictional load uniformly across multiple points around the operation ring's circumference. This creates consistent radial pressure that prevents deviation between operation ring rotation and optical system movement, ensuring precise synchronization without complicating the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates equipotential frictional loading by applying uniform radial pressure circumferentially around the operation ring. This eliminates potential differences in frictional resistance at different angular positions, preventing delays and ensuring synchronized movement between the operation ring and optical 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
The solution effectively reduces rotational torque and power consumption when the drive unit is attached, while ensuring smooth manual operation and minimizing backlash, thus preventing discomfort and delays in image movement.
Implementation Method 1
a first biasing member biasing the first member and configured to apply a rotational load to the first member
Implementation Method 2
the adjustment mechanism rotates the second member about the optical axis by operating the operation member
Implementation Method 3
moves the third member in the optical axis direction by rotating
Data Source
AI summary
The zoom lens includes a zoom operation ring rotatable about an optical axis, a rotary ring rotatable about the optical axis, a linear movement ring movable in an optical axis direction, a spring washer biasing the zoom operation ring and configured to apply a rotational load to the zoom operation ring, and a torque adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the rotational load. The zoom operation ring is rotatable manually or by a drive unit detachable from the zoom lens, the zoom lens includes a rotary member that is operated in conjunction with attachment of the drive unit to the zoom lens, and the torque adjustment mechanism rotates the rotary ring about the optical axis by operating the rotary member, moves the linear movement ring in the optical axis direction by rotating, and changes the rotational load.