Camera Module Isolation With Dampeners for IMU Saturation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital image capturing devices (DICDs) face image and video quality degradation due to external forces, which can saturate inertial measurement units (IMUs), leading to horizon drift and errors, especially when operating beyond their sensitivity range.
Innovation Solution
A module with a cradle and dampeners is used to connect and stabilize the integrated sensor-lens assembly (ISLA) within the DICD, featuring materials with a durometer range of 10 D to 100 D, such as polycarbonate or silicone, to absorb and reduce external forces and vibrations, thereby increasing the operable range of IMUs and mitigating saturation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the DICD is used in action photography and video with external forces, then the device can capture dynamic content, but the external forces create noise and interference that compromise image and video quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mounting structure with vibration isolation elements positioned between the ISLA and the housing to absorb and dampen external vibrations and forces, preventing them from reaching the sensitive optical components while allowing the device to remain functional in dynamic environments
2Measurement precision
If higher sensitivity IMUs are used to improve measurement precision, then the IMU can detect smaller forces and accelerations, but saturation occurs more quickly when forces exceed the sensitivity range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements vibration isolation elements in the mounting structure that proactively absorb and dampen external forces before they reach the IMU, preventing the IMU from experiencing forces that would cause saturation while still allowing it to detect subtle movements within its sensitivity range
3Device complexity
If the ISLA is directly mounted to the housing for structural simplicity, then the device complexity is reduced, but external vibrations are transmitted directly to the ISLA degrading image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible vibration isolation elements such as elastomeric materials, rubber mounts, or compliant structures in the mounting assembly that provide mechanical isolation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, blocking vibration transmission without requiring complex active control systems
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 effectively reduces the transmission of external forces and vibrations to the ISLA and IMU, enhancing image and video quality by maintaining IMU sensitivity within its operational range and preventing saturation, thus improving the overall performance of DICDs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one dampener that is positionable between the module and the housing of the DICD and is configured to reduce forces, vibrations, etc., transmitted to the ISLA
Implementation Method 2
The at least one dampener may include a material selected from the group consisting of: polycarbonate, acrylonitrile-butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thermoplastic elastomer, silicone, rubber(s), and polymer(s)
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect of the present disclosure, a module is disclosed for use with a digital image capturing device (DICD) including an integrated sensor-lens assembly (ISLA). The module includes a cradle configured for connection to a housing of the DICD, and at least one dampener that is configured for positioning between the module and the housing of the DICD to reduce vibrations transmitted to the ISLA.