Camera Connector Layout Around Lens Barrel and Battery Housing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image pickup apparatuses face challenges in preventing an increase in size due to the layout of connectors, particularly in the direction of the optical axis, which affects the overall dimensions of the device.
Innovation Solution
The arrangement of connectors within specific subareas defined by virtual straight lines relative to the lens barrel unit and battery housing portion, ensuring they do not overlap and are positioned to minimize the camera's size in the optical axis direction, while maintaining user-friendly cable insertion and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connectors are arranged in the camera body, then connectivity functionality is improved, but the camera size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensional layout optimization by dividing the camera body cross-section into four subareas using virtual straight lines and strategically positioning connectors in different subareas. This spatial arrangement allows multiple connectors to be integrated without increasing the overall camera volume, as connectors are distributed across available lateral space rather than extending the optical axis length.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera body cross-sectional area is segmented into four distinct subareas by virtual straight lines (first virtual straight line parallel to optical axis, second virtual straight line perpendicular to optical axis). This segmentation enables systematic placement of multiple connectors in different regions, optimizing space utilization and preventing overlap with the lens barrel unit while maintaining compact dimensions.
2Volume of moving object
If connectors are arranged to minimize camera size, then compactness is improved, but connector accessibility and cable insertion ease deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality optimization by assigning different connector types to specific subareas based on their functional requirements and accessibility needs. Connectors positioned in laterally distributed subareas can have different orientations and access directions, allowing each connector to be optimally configured for its specific function while maintaining overall compactness. This localized optimization ensures that despite the compact size, each connector remains accessible for cable insertion.
3Reliability
If connectors are positioned away from the lens barrel unit, then optical performance is improved, but connector layout complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves layout complexity by transitioning from longitudinal arrangement (along optical axis) to lateral arrangement (perpendicular to optical axis). By positioning connectors in subareas defined by virtual straight lines that divide the cross-sectional area, the design achieves optimal separation from the lens barrel unit while maintaining systematic organization. This dimensional shift simplifies the layout strategy compared to trying to optimize longitudinal positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
An image pickup apparatus in which a plurality of connectors can be arranged while preventing size increase. In an image pickup apparatus, a battery housing portion is arranged parallel to a lens barrel unit in a first direction perpendicular to the direction of an optical axis of the lens barrel unit so as not to overlap the lens barrel unit as seen from the direction of the optical axis. Connectors are arranged in at least two of four subareas formed by dividing an area excluding an area where the lens barrel unit is present from a first area surrounded by an outline of an exterior body of the image pickup apparatus and a virtual straight line and including the optical axis, as seen from the direction of the optical axis, where the virtual straight line passes through an end of the battery housing portion facing the lens barrel unit.