Camera Unit Vibration-Proof Alignment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera units for monitoring spatial areas, particularly in protective devices for moving machine parts, face challenges in adjusting the image sensor and lens for precise alignment due to rigid mechanical structures that are not suitable for dynamic environments and lack flexibility in assembly and adjustment, leading to potential misalignment under vibrations and shocks.
Innovation Solution
A camera unit with a second coupling piece that allows independent mobility relative to the first coupling piece, enabling precise adjustment of the image sensor and lens through two releasable clamping mechanisms, ensuring robust and vibration-proof fixation while allowing for easy alignment and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid mechanical structure is used to fix the image sensor and lens, then the structural stability is improved, but the alignment precision deteriorates under vibrations and shocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the camera unit to be mechanically adjusted during assembly and operation. The coupling piece with multiple degrees of freedom enables precise alignment of the image sensor and lens, while clamping mechanisms lock the position once adjusted, providing both adjustability and structural stability.
2Manufacturing precision
If a complex adjustment mechanism is provided to enable precise alignment, then the alignment precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the adjustment function into separate, modular components: a coupling piece for positioning, clamping mechanisms for locking, and a control unit for actuation. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function efficiently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated control system that uses sensors and actuators to position the camera unit. This substitution reduces the complexity of manual alignment procedures while achieving precise and repeatable positioning.
3Reliability
If the camera unit is rigidly fixed to the moving machine part, then the reliability of fixation is improved, but the adaptability to different monitoring positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically adjustable mounting system where the camera unit can be positioned at multiple locations and angles on the moving machine part. The coupling piece provides degrees of freedom for positioning, and clamping mechanisms secure the unit once the optimal position is achieved, enabling both reliable fixation and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera unit design incorporates universal mounting features that allow it to be installed on various types of moving machine parts at different positions. The adjustable coupling and clamping system provides multi-functionality, enabling the same camera unit to adapt to different monitoring requirements while maintaining reliable fixation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A camera unit (26) for monitoring a room region has an electronic image sensor that is disposed on a component carrier (66), and a lens (44) having a lens body (46). The lens body (46) and the component carrier (66) are connected to an integrated unit via a first coupling piece (70). According to one aspect of the invention, the first coupling piece (70) in the integrated unit has at least one limited first mobility (100, 102, 106) relative to the lens body (46), and at least one limited second mobility (108) relative to the component carrier (66). The integrated unit has at least one first and one second detachable clamping mechanism (74, 76, 84; 62, 90, 94) in order to fix the first coupling piece (70), the lens body (46), and the component carrier (66) relative to each other. Such a camera unit can be advantageously utilized as an imaging sensor for securing an automatically operated machine.