Machine Vision Camera Enclosure With Integrated Connector Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cord grips are excessively large, costly, and damaging to cables, causing signal degradation, moisture leakage, and mechanical stress, which is particularly problematic for high-speed data cabling and machine vision cameras operating in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
The development of compact, IP67-compliant enclosures that integrate cable connectors directly into the enclosure design, eliminating the need for cord grips and incorporating heat-dissipation properties, lightweight materials, and versatile mounting options to accommodate various camera shapes and lighting configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cord grips are used to seal around cables, then waterproofing is achieved, but the cord grips become excessively large and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cord grip component entirely from the system. Instead of using a cord grip to seal around the cable, the invention integrates the sealing function directly into the enclosure body through a molded recess that receives the connector, eliminating the need for separate cord grip hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is merged with the enclosure body itself. The recess is molded directly into the enclosure, combining the structural support and sealing functions into a single integrated component rather than requiring separate cord grip and enclosure parts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cord grips are made extra-giant to accommodate connectors, then connector accommodation is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase due to rubber up
Solution Approach 1:
The connector reception feature is merged into the enclosure body through injection molding. This allows the enclosure to be manufactured as a single piece with the recess already formed, eliminating the need for separate cord grip components and the costly rubber up process required to reduce giant cord grips to proper cable diameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the dimensional parameters of the enclosure opening to match the connector size directly, rather than using a oversized cord grip that requires reduction. The recess is molded to precise dimensions that accommodate the connector without requiring additional reduction steps.
3Strength
If cord grips squeeze the cable to secure it, then cable retention is achieved, but cable damage occurs both physically and electrically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the squeezing action entirely from the cable management system. Instead of using a cord grip that compresses the cable, the invention allows the cable to pass through the enclosure with the connector received in a molded recess, eliminating the harmful squeezing force that causes physical and electrical cable damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The molded recess acts as an intermediary structure that secures the connector without directly contacting or compressing the cable. The recess provides mechanical retention for the connector while the cable itself remains uncompressed and undamaged.
4Reliability
If cord grips are used to seal cables, then cable sealing is achieved, but signal degradation and moisture leakage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cord grip component that causes signal degradation. By eliminating the cord grip and its associated rubber up process, the invention prevents the creation of poor electrical contacts and impedance discontinuities that cause signal degradation, standing waves, and adjacent channel interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is merged into a smooth molded recess that provides a continuous, uniform transition for the cable and connector. This integrated design eliminates the discontinuities and irregular interfaces created by separate cord grips, preventing signal degradation while maintaining moisture sealing.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of enclosures for machine-vision cameras are disclosed. The enclosures are designed to fit\hug the camera to be as small as physically possible, and also integrate other features such as better cabling, IP-67 compliance, and end-effectors. Further, the embodiments herein have also integrated a way to mount extra lights as part of the design. The embodiments herein accommodate the specific need of the particular application. The embodiments herein can accommodate numerous shapes and sizes of cameras, including square, cylindrical, or cubical cameras, and encompass either rectangular or round enclosures.