Camera Lens Mount Terminal Layout for Noise-Resistant Clock Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera systems face challenges in efficiently and reliably attaching and detaching interchangeable lenses, with current solutions not adequately addressing issues of noise interference and wear on terminals during attachment and removal processes.

Innovation Solution

The camera system incorporates a bayonet-type lens mount mechanism with a specific terminal arrangement that minimizes noise interference and wear by positioning sensitive terminals away from noise-prone and high-voltage terminals, ensuring stable communication and power supply during attachment and detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If terminals are arranged in a conventional manner during lens attachment, then the attachment process is simple, but noise interference and wear on terminals increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterminal reliabilityVSAvoidnoise interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different spatial positions to terminals based on their functional requirements. Communication terminals are positioned away from high-voltage power supply terminals and noise-prone areas, while power terminals are placed where they can efficiently conduct electricity without interfering with signal transmission. This localized optimization of terminal positions reduces noise interference on communication signals while maintaining reliable power supply.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a conventional linear or circular terminal arrangement to a two-dimensional spatial distribution pattern on the lens mount flange. By utilizing the radial and angular dimensions of the mount interface, the patent strategically places communication terminals at positions minimally affected by mechanical wear and electromagnetic noise from power terminals, thereby enhancing signal integrity through dimensional optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If terminals are positioned close together for compact design, then device size is reduced, but wear and noise interference on terminals increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterminal arrangement complexityVSAvoidterminal wear
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the terminal arrangement into distinct functional zones: a power supply zone for high-voltage terminals and a communication zone for signal terminals. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized independently - power terminals are positioned to handle electrical load and mechanical stress, while communication terminals are placed in lower-stress areas, reducing wear and noise interference without increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If communication terminals are positioned near power supply terminals, then wiring is simplified, but noise interference on communication signals increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiring complexityVSAvoidcommunication signal stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces ground terminals as intermediary elements positioned between power supply terminals and communication terminals. These ground terminals act as electromagnetic shields and reference potential points, blocking noise from power terminals from interfering with communication signals. This intermediary arrangement maintains wiring simplicity while significantly improving communication signal stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3477380B1Accessory attachable to a camera comprising signal terminals
Publication Date: 2023.11.22 NIKON CORP
  • EP3477380B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3477380B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3477380B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An accessory removably attachable to a camera body and including a plurality of terminals, includes: a first terminal; a second terminal through which a first power supply voltage is supplied from the camera body; a third terminal; a fourth terminal; a fifth terminal; a sixth terminal; an eighth terminal that receives a first clock signal of a first cycle from the camera body; a seventh terminal; a ninth terminal; a tenth terminal that outputs a second clock signal of a second cycle to the camera body, the second cycle being longer than the first cycle; and an eleventh terminal, wherein: a distance between the tenth terminal and the second terminal is longer than a distance between the eighth terminal and the second terminal.