Camera Mount Terminal Height Staging for Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connection systems for image capturing apparatus and accessories face issues with terminal wear and increased contact impedance due to frequent sliding, leading to potential malfunctions and reduced durability, especially with the bayonet coupling mechanism where terminals on the camera mount and lens mount slide relative to each other.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a mount configuration with a height level difference for terminals, where the camera mount and lens mount have distinct stages with different terminal arrangements to reduce sliding and wear, with power-supply-system terminals positioned on the upper stage and communication terminals on the lower stage, and the ground terminals strategically placed for protection and reduced contact impedance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If terminals are arranged on the same plane in a bayonet coupling mechanism, then the mounting structure is simple, but terminal wear increases and contact impedance increases due to frequent sliding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional terminal arrangement (all terminals on the same plane) to a three-dimensional arrangement by introducing multiple stages at different heights along the optical axis. This vertical dimensionality change allows terminals to be positioned at different height levels, enabling the ground terminal to contact first during mounting while reducing sliding distance for other terminals, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and terminal durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the terminal arrangement into multiple stages based on height levels. The ground terminal is positioned on a first stage while other terminals are positioned on a second stage at a different height. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each terminal's contact characteristics, reducing overall terminal wear and contact impedance issues.
2Ease of operation
If terminals slide relative to each other during mounting and dismounting, then electrical connection is established, but terminal wear increases and contact impedance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by positioning the ground terminal to contact first during the mounting process, before other terminals make contact. This sequential contact arrangement, achieved through different height stages, prepares the electrical connection in a controlled manner that reduces wear on power supply terminals while ensuring reliable grounding from the outset.
Solution Approach 2:
By introducing height level differences along the optical axis, the patent creates a three-dimensional terminal arrangement where terminals at different heights contact in a predetermined sequence during rotation. This dimensional change transforms the sliding mechanism from a problematic two-dimensional surface contact to a controlled three-dimensional sequential engagement, reducing wear while maintaining connection reliability.
3Productivity
If power supply terminals are positioned to contact first, then power is supplied early, but short circuit risk increases during mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action in reverse by ensuring the ground terminal contacts first as a preparatory step before power supply terminals make contact. This sequential arrangement, achieved through height staging, pre-establishes a safe grounding path that prevents short circuits while enabling rapid power supply once the mounting process continues.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground terminal acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the mounting mechanism and the power supply system. By positioning it to contact first through height differentiation, it creates a safe intermediate state that prevents direct short circuits while facilitating subsequent power supply terminal contact, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and safety.
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing apparatus on which, and from which, an accessory is mountable and dismountable includes a plurality of terminals disposed in a circumferential direction of a mount, and a terminal holder. The terminal holder has a height level difference for holding the terminals at different positions in a center-axis direction of the mount. The terminals include a first terminal configured to be used to supply power for driving an internal component of the accessory, and a second terminal configured to indicate a ground level corresponding to the first terminal. The second terminal is disposed nearer in a mount direction of the accessory than the other terminals on a predetermined stage of the terminal holder, and is connected to a corresponding one of a plurality of terminals of the accessory first among the terminals when the accessory is mounted on the image capturing apparatus.