Vision System Camera Front Plate Assembly for Multi-Lens Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vision system cameras require costly and complex modifications to accommodate different lens types, such as C-mount, M12, and liquid lenses, which affects their versatility and image quality.
Innovation Solution
A vision system housing with a front plate assembly featuring a stepped aperture that allows for threaded mounting of multiple lens types, including M12 and C-Mount lenses, and accommodates a liquid lens with a spring clip arrangement and electrical connection for control, enabling easy switching between lens types without compromising image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a vision system camera is designed to accommodate multiple lens types (C-mount, M12, liquid lenses), then the versatility and adaptability of the system is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The front plate assembly is designed with multiple threaded apertures of different diameters (first aperture for C-mount lenses, second aperture for M12 lenses) and a spring clip arrangement, allowing a single camera housing to accommodate multiple lens types (C-mount, M12, and liquid lenses) without requiring separate mounting structures for each lens type
Solution Approach 2:
The front plate is segmented into multiple functional zones with different aperture sizes and threading configurations, enabling independent mounting of various lens types on the same camera body. The spring clip arrangement is segmented to provide both mechanical retention and electrical connection functions
2Ease of operation
If the front plate is designed with multiple aperture sizes for different lens types, then the ease of operation and lens interchangeability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The front plate is pre-configured with multiple threaded apertures at precisely determined positions and depths during manufacturing. The first aperture is positioned at a first depth and the second aperture at a second depth, with threaded structures pre-formed to accept different lens types. This preliminary preparation enables easy lens interchangeability while maintaining precise optical alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The front plate acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between different lens mounting standards (C-mount threads, M12 threads) and the camera sensor plane. The spring clip arrangement serves as an intermediary mechanism that provides both mechanical retention and electrical connectivity for liquid lenses
3Ease of operation
If a spring clip arrangement is used to retain the liquid lens, then the ease of installation and removal is improved, but the reliability of lens retention may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The spring clip arrangement combines multiple functions into a single integrated mechanism: mechanical retention of the liquid lens, electrical connection via contacts, and positioning alignment. This merging of functions simplifies installation while maintaining reliability through the elastic retention force of the spring
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a versatile vision system that can use various lens types without reducing image quality, simplifying installation and maintenance, and allowing for customization and re-tasking of the system without the need for additional adapters or complex modifications.
Implementation Method 1
A spring clip arrangement (fastened by screws to threaded holes around the aperture) engages portions of the housing or shell of the liquid lens module
Data Source
AI summary
This invention provides a vision system housing having a front plate assembly that accommodates a plurality of lens mount types. The front plate includes a central aperture that is located at a predetermined axial (camera axis) distance from a plane of an image sensor. The aperture is stepped from a wider diameter adjacent to the front to a narrower diameter more adjacent to the sensor. This arrangement enables threaded mounting of a plurality of lens mount types, for example M12 and C-Mount. The exterior (front) surface of the front plate includes threaded holes and a removable spring clip arrangement constructed to accommodate a liquid lens positioned over the aperture with an associated lens assembly mounted within the aperture and in optical communication with the liquid lens. The lens is operated using an electrical connection provided by a cable that interconnects with a multi-pin socket positioned on the front plate.