Camera Device Modular Connector Radial Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular cameras face challenges in cost-effective production and assembly, with complex and time-consuming processes that can lead to misalignment issues affecting image quality, and the need for additional accessories increases bulkiness and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A camera device with a releasably connectable optics and sensor unit, and an electronic accessory connected via a threaded fitting with distinct radial distances for power and signal transfer, allowing for compact assembly and easy accessory addition without cables, reducing the risk of short circuits and enabling versatile functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If accessories are added to the camera unit to obtain high quality images, then image quality is improved, but the bulkiness of the camera unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is divided into separate modules: a compact camera unit and detachable electronic accessories. This segmentation allows the camera unit to remain small while accessories provide additional functionality when needed, resolving the contradiction between image quality enhancement and bulkiness.
Solution Approach 2:
Electronic accessories are designed to attach to the camera unit in a nested configuration, where the accessory integrates with the existing camera structure rather than adding significant external bulk. The threaded fitting and connector system allows accessories to be mounted compactly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the camera unit comprises several components to provide functionality, then versatility is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional components (optics unit, sensor unit, electronic accessories) are merged into a unified modular system that uses standardized interfaces. The threaded fitting and connector design combines mounting and electrical connection functions into a single assembly operation, reducing overall assembly complexity despite increased versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera unit employs universal connectors and standardized interfaces that work across different accessory types. This universality allows the same basic structure to support multiple functionalities without requiring complex custom assembly procedures for each component.
3Ease of manufacture
If connectors for power transfer and signal transfer are arranged at the same radial distance, then assembly is simplified, but the risk of short circuiting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design employs asymmetric radial positioning where power transfer connectors and signal transfer connectors are arranged at different radial distances from the rotation axis. This asymmetric arrangement prevents accidental short circuits between power and signal lines while maintaining a compact connector structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of arranging all connectors in a single radial plane, the design utilizes multiple radial dimensions/distances from the rotation axis. Power connectors are positioned at one radial distance while signal connectors are positioned at another, creating spatial separation in the radial dimension to prevent short circuits.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3B
Figure 4
AI summary
A camera (100) device comprising an optics unit (102) and a sensor unit (106) releasably connectable to each other, and an electronic accessory (104) releasably connectable to the optics unit (102) by means of a threaded fitting associated with a rotation axis, wherein the optics unit (102) comprises optics unit connectors (108), which in an assembled state of the camera device (100) each is aligned and in contact with an associated electronic accessory connector (110) of the electronic accessory (104) thereby forming an electric connection between the electronic accessory (104) and the sensor unit (106) via the optics unit (102), wherein the optics unit connectors (108) and the associated electronic accessory connectors (110) form a first group consisting of at least one optics unit connector (108a) and associated electronic accessory connector (110a) arranged for power transfer and a second group consisting of at least one optics unit connector (108b) and associated electronic accessory connector (110b) arranged for signal transfer, wherein, in the assembled state of the camera device (100), the first group is arranged at a first radial distance from the rotation axis and the second group is arranged at a second radial distance from the rotation axis, the first distance being different from the second distance, wherein the first radial distance is solely occupied by the first group, and wherein the second radial distance is solely occupied by the second group.