Image Capture Apparatus Heat Dissipation Module Control

Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing data rates and power consumption in image capture apparatuses lead to heat dissipation issues, with existing solutions requiring increased space and not allowing for optimal configuration adjustments, especially when special heat dissipation is not required.

Innovation Solution

A system with a connecting unit, heat transfer unit, and communication unit that optimizes heat dissipation based on the heat dissipation performance and attachment position of modules attached to the image capture apparatus, allowing for dynamic control and configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a built-in heat dissipation structure is added to the image capture apparatus, then heat dissipation performance is improved, but the apparatus size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipation performanceVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The heat dissipation structure is extracted from the camera body and implemented as a separate attachable module. This allows the heat dissipation function to be removed when not needed (e.g., in power saving mode or low-temperature environments) and attached when required, thereby avoiding the permanent increase in apparatus size while maintaining the capability for effective heat dissipation when high power consumption occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the heat dissipation configuration based on real-time operating conditions. The control unit determines whether to attach or remove the heat dissipation module according to factors such as power consumption level, ambient temperature, and shooting mode, making the heat dissipation capability adaptive rather than static.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Temperature

If a heat dissipation structure is built into the image capture apparatus, then heat dissipation capability is improved, but flexibility to remove unnecessary heat dissipation structures is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipation capabilityVSAvoidflexibility to remove heat dissipation structure

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The heat dissipation structure is extracted from the camera body and implemented as a separate attachable module. This allows the heat dissipation function to be removed when not needed (e.g., in power saving mode or low-temperature environments) and attached when required, thereby avoiding the permanent increase in apparatus size while maintaining the capability for effective heat dissipation when high power consumption occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the heat dissipation configuration based on real-time operating conditions. The control unit determines whether to attach or remove the heat dissipation module according to factors such as power consumption level, ambient temperature, and shooting mode, making the heat dissipation capability adaptive rather than static.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple modules are connected to the image capture apparatus, then functional versatility is improved, but heat dissipation optimization becomes more complex due to varying connection positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidheat dissipation optimization complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control unit receives information about module attachment positions and types, then automatically adjusts the heat dissipation strategy accordingly. The heat dissipation module communicates with the camera body through communication units, providing feedback on its operational status and enabling the control unit to optimize heat dissipation based on the current system configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters such as fan rotation speed, heat dissipation module attachment/detachment status, and power allocation based on detected module positions and types. This allows the heat dissipation system to adapt to different functional configurations without requiring complex manual intervention or pre-planning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables efficient heat dissipation management by adjusting the heat dissipation state based on module performance and position, optimizing system performance across varying conditions without unnecessary heat dissipation structures.

Implementation Method 1

a heat transfer unit configured to exchange heat with the module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS11310401B2Image capture apparatus, module, and control method thereof

Publication Date: 2022.04.19 CANON KK

AI summary

An image capture apparatus to which a module having a predetermined function can be attached, the apparatus comprises a connecting unit configured to attach the module, a heat transfer unit configured to exchange heat with the module, a communication unit configured to communicate with the module, and a control unit configured to control a heat dissipation state of a system including the image capture apparatus and the module on the basis of information pertaining to heat dissipation performance of the module and position information pertaining to an attachment position of the module, the information having been acquired by the communication unit.