Accessory Shoe Positioning Unit for Drip-Proof Signal Connectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing accessory shoe devices for image pickup apparatuses face challenges in achieving drip-proof performance while ensuring positional accuracy for multi-polarized signal terminal connectors, as the integration of the accessory shoe and signal terminal connector can lead to gaps that allow water or moisture to enter the device.

Innovation Solution

The accessory shoe device incorporates a positioning unit that fixes the signal terminal connector and engagement member such that they sandwich a portion of the exterior member, eliminating the gap between them and enhancing drip-proof performance while maintaining positional accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the accessory shoe and signal terminal connector are integrally combined, then positional accuracy is ensured, but gaps appear allowing water entry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositional accuracyVSAvoidwater entry

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The accessory shoe device is divided into separate components: the accessory shoe body and the signal terminal connector are positioned independently using positioning protrusions and positioning grooves, rather than being integrally combined. This segmentation allows each component to be precisely positioned without creating gaps that would compromise water resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Positioning protrusions on the accessory shoe body serve as intermediaries that fit into corresponding positioning grooves on the signal terminal connector. This intermediary mechanism ensures precise relative positioning between components while maintaining a gap-free structure for water resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connection terminals are arranged in restricted space, then multi-polarization is achieved, but positional accuracy becomes more significant and difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-polarizationVSAvoidpositional accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple connection terminals are arranged in a multi-row configuration within the connector, utilizing two-dimensional space rather than a single line. This allows multi-polarization to be achieved within the restricted space of the accessory shoe while maintaining precise positioning through the positioning protrusion-groove mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS9927683B2Accessory shoe device to which photographic accessory can be attached, and image pickup apparatus

Publication Date: 2018.03.27 CANON KK

AI summary

An accessory shoe device capable of improving drip-proof performance while ensuring positional accuracy in a pitch direction in which terminals of a multi-polarized signal terminal connector are arranged. The accessory shoe device includes an engagement member for having an accessory attached thereto, a signal terminal connector including terminals for connection with the accessory attached to the engagement member, a top cover having the engagement member mounted thereon, and a positioning unit for positioning the signal terminal connector with respect to the engagement member. The top cover has an opening for externally exposing the terminals of the signal terminal connector. The signal terminal connector and the engagement member are fixed to each other by the positioning unit such that they sandwich a portion of the top cover surrounding the signal terminal connector.