Camera Assembly Kinematic Mounting for Optical Axis Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart AI cameras equipped with optical center (OC)-based dewarping capabilities face suboptimal dewarping functionality due to inaccuracies in estimating the pointing direction of the camera lens, which can be exacerbated by external forces causing the optical axis to deviate from its intended alignment.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of kinematic mounting techniques for the camera assembly, which includes a lens barrel, a lens holder, and an image sensor board, allows for precise alignment and maintenance of the optical axis. This is achieved by kinematically mounting the lens barrel and using a retaining mechanism with a V-block and barrel retainer to constrain movement and maintain alignment between the lens barrel and the image sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mounting methods (threaded fasteners, bonding) are used to attach the image sensor board and lens holder, then the assembly can be manufactured and assembled, but the optical axis alignment deviates under external forces such as jostling or dropping
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is segmented into distinct functional elements: a lens barrel with integrated optical axis reference features, a lens holder with corresponding alignment features, and a separate image sensor board with mounting apertures. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining precise optical alignment through the reference features, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems (threaded fasteners, complex bonding structures) with a reference-feature-based alignment system. The optical axis reference features provide a mechanical substitute for complex alignment procedures, enabling precise optical axis stability without requiring complex mounting structures, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the lens barrel is adjusted during active alignment to center the target in the image, then image centering is achieved, but the optical axis may not align with the target resulting in pointing direction error
Solution Approach 1:
The lens barrel is pre-equipped with optical axis reference features (such as precision-machined surfaces, holes, or slots) that establish the optical axis geometry before assembly. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex post-assembly alignment procedures, allowing the optical axis to be accurately determined directly from the reference features rather than through iterative active alignment, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical axis reference features in the lens barrel create a physical copy or representation of the desired optical axis geometry. This copying approach allows the optical axis to be transferred and maintained through the assembly process without requiring complex measurement and adjustment procedures, simplifying manufacture while ensuring pointing direction accuracy.
3Strength
If threaded fasteners are used to secure the image sensor board to the chassis, then the assembly is mechanically secure, but the joint weakens under vibration and impact causing optical axis deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optical axis reference features as intermediary elements that mediate between the mechanical mounting structure and the optical alignment requirements. These reference features provide a stable geometric reference that is insensitive to the weakening of mechanical joints under vibration, allowing the optical axis to remain stable even when traditional fastened joints degrade, thus resolving the contradiction between joint strength and optical axis stability under vibration.
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 approach ensures that the optical pointing accuracy of the camera is maintained, even under external forces such as jostling or dropping, by reducing moment forces on adhesive joints and preventing unwanted movement of the lens barrel relative to the image sensor.
Implementation Method 1
Ultraviolet (UV) curable adhesive, or UV/thermal adhesive, is then applied to an interface between the image sensor board and the lens holder and an interface between the lens barrel and the lens holder to fix position of the lens barrel, the lens holder, and the image sensor relative to one another.
Implementation Method 2
Ultraviolet (UV) curable adhesive, or UV/thermal adhesive, is then applied to an interface between the image sensor board and the lens holder and an interface between the lens barrel and the lens holder to fix position of the lens barrel, the lens holder, and the image sensor relative to one another.
Data Source
AI summary
A camera assembly for inclusion in a camera is described. The camera assembly includes a lens barrel and a retaining mechanism that is configured to restrict movement of the lens barrel relative to the retaining mechanism. The retaining mechanism is configured to be attached to a mounting surface of a camera enclosure, such that position of the camera assembly remains fixed relative to the camera enclosure.