Camera Assembly Blind Mate Connector for Simplified Circuit Board Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera assemblies face challenges in efficiently assembling and maintaining circuit boards, particularly in configurations where the desired field of view is below the camera, requiring complex and labor-intensive processes for coupling and decoupling of circuit boards.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using blind mate connectors on upper and lower housings that can translate between access, first connected, and second connected states, allowing for easy alignment and electrical coupling without the need for simultaneous support or soldering, facilitated by a hinge pin, latching assembly, and lock mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional circuit board coupling methods are used, then electrical connections can be established, but the assembly process becomes complex and labor-intensive requiring simultaneous support and soldering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional soldering and mechanical fastening systems with a blind mate connector system that uses spring-loaded electrical contacts. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for soldering equipment and complex alignment procedures, allowing circuit boards to be coupled through simple insertion and latching actions, thereby simplifying the assembly process while maintaining electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The blind mate connector incorporates self-aligning features and spring-loaded contacts that automatically establish electrical connections when circuit boards are brought together. The latching assembly self-secures the connection without requiring additional fastening operations, and the spring mechanism automatically maintains contact pressure. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual manipulation and external support during assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If circuit boards are placed above the camera for ceiling-mounted or pole-mounted assemblies, then the field of view requirement is met, but maintenance and reconfiguration become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the camera assembly into separable modules: the housing containing the camera and the circuit board assembly containing the circuit boards. These modules are connected through the blind mate connector system that allows for easy disengagement. This segmentation enables the circuit board assembly to be independently removed for maintenance or reconfiguration while leaving the camera housing in place, thereby improving ease of repair while maintaining the desired field of view configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching assembly incorporates a movable latch mechanism that can be actuated to release the circuit board assembly from the housing. This dynamic feature allows for quick access to circuit boards without requiring complete disassembly of the camera unit, facilitating easy maintenance and reconfiguration while preserving the installed field of view configuration.
3Ease of operation
If blind mate connectors are used for circuit board coupling, then assembly is simplified, but ensuring secure and weathertight connections requires additional mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the blind mate connector system: electrical contact establishment, mechanical latching, and sealing. The connector integrates spring-loaded electrical contacts for data and power transfer, a latching assembly for mechanical security, and sealing elements for weather protection. This merging of functions into a single integrated component achieves secure and weathertight connections while maintaining ease of operation through a single coupling action.
Solution Approach 2:
The blind mate connector acts as an intermediary element between the housing and circuit board assembly, providing a standardized interface that ensures reliable electrical and mechanical connections. The spring-loaded contacts and latching mechanism in this intermediary component guarantee secure coupling, while integrated sealing elements protect against environmental factors, thereby enhancing connection reliability without complicating the operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for assembling a camera includes providing an upper housing having a first circuit board and a lower housing having a second circuit board having an image sensor fixed thereon. The first circuit board includes a first blind mate connector on a lower surface thereof. The method further includes providing a second blind mate connector. The lower housing is moved toward the upper housing to a first connected state in which the lower housing is supported by the upper housing and the first and second blind mate connectors are partially coupled. The lower housing is further moved toward the upper housing to a second connected state in which the first and second blind mate connectors are fully coupled.