Camera Mount Terminal Layout for Reliable Accessory Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increased number of terminals in image capturing apparatuses and accessories using bayonet coupling mechanisms leads to wear and tear, resulting in decreased insulation resistance, short circuits, and increased contact resistance, compromising the reliability of electrical connections and causing erroneous detection of accessory mounting.
Innovation Solution
The image capturing apparatus features a two-stage terminal holder with a height level difference, where the first terminal for mounting detection is positioned further in the mount direction than other terminals, reducing wear and improving contact reliability by minimizing sliding between terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of terminals is increased to enhance functionality and data transmission capability, then communication capability is improved, but terminal wear and reliability deteriorate due to increased mounting and dismounting cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal holder is divided into multiple stages (first stage and second stage) with different height levels. Terminals are segmented and assigned to different stages based on their function and wear characteristics. This segmentation allows differential protection strategies for different terminal groups, reducing overall wear while maintaining enhanced functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the terminal holder are given different structural properties. The first stage terminals (subject to wear) are positioned at a height that minimizes sliding contact, while the second stage terminals are positioned differently. This local quality differentiation optimizes each terminal's durability based on its specific functional requirements.
2Ease of operation
If a bayonet coupling mechanism is used to enable quick mounting and dismounting, then ease of operation is improved, but terminal wear increases leading to decreased insulation resistance and contact reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal holder is pre-configured with height level differences and strategic terminal positioning before mounting occurs. The first terminal is pre-positioned further in the mount direction, and the first stage is designed to engage first during mounting. This preliminary arrangement ensures that wear-critical terminals are protected from sliding contact during the mounting/dismounting cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal holder structure acts as an intermediary between the bayonet coupling mechanism and the terminals. It mediates the mechanical motion by creating height levels that decouple the rotational mounting motion from direct terminal sliding, thereby protecting terminals while maintaining quick connection capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing apparatus on which an accessory including a first mount is mountable includes a second mount. The second mount is configured to allow bayonet coupling to the first mount of the accessory. The second mount includes a plurality of terminals disposed in a circumferential direction, and a terminal holder configured to hold the plurality of terminals. Each of the plurality of terminals is electrically connectable to a terminal of the accessory. The terminal holder has a height level difference in a center-axis direction of the second mount. The plurality of terminals include a first terminal configured to be used to detect mounting of the accessory on the image capturing apparatus. The first terminal is disposed further in a mount direction of the accessory than the other terminals among the plurality of terminals on a first stage of the terminal holder.