Camera Module Positioning in Housing Slots for Reliable Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household appliances with cameras, such as refrigeration appliances, face challenges in securely and simply coupling camera components to external components due to thermal insulation requirements, making precise and reliable electrical connections difficult, especially in compact and hard-to-access spaces.
Innovation Solution
A camera module with a positioning device in the housing slot allows for axial fixation and precise alignment of electrical connectors, enabling secure and simple coupling to external connectors through guide channels and snap-fit connections, ensuring reliable mechanical and electrical contacts even in challenging installation positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a camera is arranged in a compact structure with components in a defined manner, then space-saving is achieved, but precise positioning and coupling to external components becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-arranging the electrical connector and positioning device within the camera housing before installation. The positioning device is integrated into the housing structure, and the electrical connector is pre-positioned relative to the housing slot, enabling automatic alignment and coupling when the camera is installed in the appliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the positioning device as an intermediary element between the housing slot and the electrical connector. This positioning device facilitates the coupling process by providing reference surfaces and alignment features that guide the external electrical connector into proper alignment, making the coupling operation simpler despite the compact camera structure.
2Device complexity
If electrical connectors are arranged in hard-to-access positions within the housing slot, then compact integration is achieved, but reliable connection and positioning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service through the positioning device that automatically guides and positions the electrical connector during installation. The positioning device includes features such as guide channels or alignment surfaces that cause the connector to self-align with the housing slot, ensuring reliable electrical connection without requiring complex manual positioning or adjustment.
3Strength
If the housing slot is only open at opposing ends with limited inward accessibility, then structural integrity and insulation are maintained, but positioning and insertion of components becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the housing into the main housing structure and a separate positioning device that can be integrated into the housing slot. The positioning device is structured as distinct elements (such as guide channels, alignment surfaces, or separate positioning components) that facilitate component insertion while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the housing.
Data Source
AI summary
A household appliance has a camera with a housing and a module with a first electrical connector. The module is separate from the housing and arranged in the housing. The housing is formed with a housing slot with a longitudinal axis, and a positioning device is arranged on an inner side of the housing slot. The module is arranged in the housing slot and is arranged so as to be at least axially fixed in the housing slot by a positioning device. There is also described a method for mounting a camera of a household appliance.