Configurable Camera Junction Box for Compact Multi-Position Mounting

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing IP camera systems face challenges in minimizing the size of junction boxes while providing improved mounting options and accessibility, especially in outdoor installations where weather conditions must be endured.

Innovation Solution

A surface mountable camera system that includes a junction box with a four-sided interior compartment and a clip that can interchangeably insert onto any three sides of the junction box, allowing for multiple selectable mounting positions and easy access to internal components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the junction box size is minimized, then the overall camera system size is reduced, but mounting options and accessibility to internal components are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejunction box sizeVSAvoidmounting options

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The junction box is divided into a sealed section for electronics and an unsealed section for cable management and mounting operations. This segmentation allows the sealed portion to be minimized for protection while the unsealed portion provides accessibility and mounting flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a rotatable camera assembly that can pivot between horizontal and vertical orientations relative to the junction box. This dimensional change allows a single compact junction box to support multiple mounting configurations and positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If the junction box size is minimized, then the overall camera system size is reduced, but accessibility to internal components is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejunction box sizeVSAvoidaccessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The junction box is divided into a sealed section for electronics and an unsealed section for cable management and mounting operations. This segmentation allows the sealed portion to be minimized for protection while the unsealed portion provides accessibility and mounting flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The camera assembly is designed to be rotatable into a vertical position that provides preliminary access to the junction box interior before final installation, allowing cable management and connections to be made easily.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Temperature

If electronics are mounted in the junction box section, then thermal management is improved, but the junction box must be sealed which complicates cable management

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal managementVSAvoidcable management

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The junction box is divided into a sealed section for electronics and an unsealed section for cable management and mounting operations. This segmentation allows the sealed portion to be minimized for protection while the unsealed portion provides accessibility and mounting flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12316088B2Configurable junction box for surface mountable camera

Publication Date: 2025.05.27 MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A surface mountable camera (1000) includes a junction box (104) and clip (300) that provide for a plurality of selectable mounting positions, each accommodating a hanging camera position. The junction box (104) provides a four-sided interior compartment, wherein at least three side walls of the compartment each include a slot (112) and an anchor feature (114) corresponding to the slot. The clip (300) is configured to interchangeably insert onto any of the three side walls of the junction box. The clip (300) includes an access port (304) formed therein for engaging with the anchor feature (114) of the junction box (104), and the clip includes first and second engagement tabs (302) for engaging into the slot (112) of the junction box (104). Once the clip (300) is anchored to the junction box (104), a camera assembly (200) is pivotably mounted, via a hinged bracket (400), to the clip of the junction box.