Camera Connector Placement Using Optical-Axis Depth
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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 extend in the optical axis direction, while utilizing flexible circuit boards for connection to the main circuit board.
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 reconfiguration by arranging connectors in the optical axis direction (depth dimension) rather than only in the lateral plane. Specifically, connectors are positioned at different distances from the image pickup device along the optical axis, utilizing the Z-direction space that would otherwise be wasted. This allows multiple connectors to be packed into the existing camera body volume without increasing overall dimensions, while maintaining full connectivity functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by placing connectors within the existing structural envelope of the camera body, specifically utilizing the space between the image pickup device and the rear surface of the camera. Connectors are nested in the depth direction, with some positioned closer to the image pickup device and others farther away, effectively nesting multiple connection interfaces within the same spatial footprint.
2Device complexity
If connectors are arranged in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, then layout simplicity is improved, but the dimension in the optical axis direction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional planar arrangement to three-dimensional spatial arrangement by utilizing the optical axis direction (depth dimension) for connector placement. Connectors are positioned at different Z-coordinates along the optical axis, transforming the layout from a flat plane to a distributed spatial configuration that leverages the depth dimension available in the camera body.
3Volume of moving object
If connectors are placed behind the lens unit, then space utilization is improved, but interference with user handling occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality differentiation by positioning connectors at specific locations in the rear portion of the camera body that are optimized for both space utilization and user accessibility. Rather than uniformly distributing connectors, specific connectors are placed in regions that do not interfere with grip areas or operational buttons, creating localized zones for different functions that balance compactness with ease of operation.
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.