Camera System Mounting Flange Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera systems for securing automated systems are limited by high assembly and installation efforts, and lack flexibility and accuracy in distinguishing between hazardous and non-hazardous situations, with existing mechanical concepts not providing a cost-effective and reliable solution for stereo camera systems.
Innovation Solution
A camera system with a lens body having a mounting flange and a camera unit fastened using a complementary receptacle and mounting flange design, allowing precise alignment of imaging optics and easy exchange of camera units, utilizing CNC-machined metallic components for high accuracy and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional camera systems are used for monitoring spatial areas, then basic security functions can be provided, but assembly and installation effort increases and flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is divided into modular components: a camera unit with image sensor and optical elements, a system body with receptacle, and a mounting part. This segmentation allows independent assembly and simplifies installation while maintaining security functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting part serves multiple functions: it aligns the system body relative to the spatial area, provides mechanical support, and enables flexible positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying assembly while maintaining reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If laser scanners are used for protection, then some flexibility is improved, but the ability to distinguish between dangerous and non-hazardous situations remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple optical detection (laser scanners) with a camera-based vision system that captures detailed spatial information. The image sensor records visual data that can be evaluated to distinguish between different types of situations, providing both flexibility and precise discrimination capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If three-dimensional image acquisition is used to create virtual protective fences, then flexibility is improved, but demands on resolution and accuracy increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting part pre-aligns the camera unit and system body to defined positional and orientational relationships before operation. This preliminary mechanical alignment ensures that three-dimensional image acquisition achieves the required accuracy without requiring post-installation calibration, maintaining both flexibility and precision.
4Reliability
If camera systems are designed for safety-oriented applications, then reliability is improved, but mechanical construction stability and functional reliability require enhanced design
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting part and receptacle are designed with inherent alignment features and mechanical constraints that prevent misalignment or damage during assembly and operation. This built-in mechanical protection ensures functional reliability without requiring complex additional stabilization mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
A camera system for monitoring a room region comprises a camera unit (30) having an image sensor (72) and a plurality of optical elements (84) displaying imaging optics. A system body (28) has at least one receptacle (56) for the camera unit (30). An installation part (32) serves the alignment of the system body (28) relative to the room region. The optical elements (84) are attached to a lens body (76), which has a mounting flange (78). The lens body (76) is attached in the receptacle (56) by means of the mounting flange (78).