Dome Camera Yoke Mechanism for 360 Pan Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing pan rotation mechanisms in domed camera devices face challenges in providing uniform clamping force and secure pan rotation over 360 degrees without stressing the connecting wires, due to non-uniform thickness and draft angles in the yoke design, which can lead to easy tilting of the optical module with minimal force.
Innovation Solution
A yoke with a disk and a gimbal base that includes a guide and track, allowing cooperative limitation of pan rotation, and a cam latch mechanism to prevent excessive rotation, ensuring secure pan rotation over 360 degrees while maintaining even clamping force through a uniform thickness design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the yoke is designed with draft surfaces for molding removal, then the yoke can be manufactured using standard molding tools, but the non-uniform thickness created by draft angles causes the optical module to tilt easily with minimal force
Solution Approach 1:
The yoke is divided into two separate components: a first yoke component with the draft surface for easy molding removal, and a second yoke component with a compensating feature that provides uniform thickness for consistent clamping force. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to resolve the contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The first yoke component has an asymmetric draft surface angled for molding removal, while the second yoke component has a corresponding asymmetric compensating feature that offsets the thickness variation. This asymmetric design allows the draft surface to function for manufacturing while the compensation maintains uniform clamping force.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the optical module is pan rotated over 360 degrees, then full scene coverage is achieved, but the wires connecting to the optical module are stressed by twisting
Solution Approach 1:
A rotating connection mechanism acts as an intermediary between the optical module and the fixed wiring harness. This intermediary component allows the optical module to rotate 360 degrees for full scene coverage while the wiring harness remains stationary, preventing wire stress and twisting. The rotating connection transfers motion while isolating the wires from rotational stress.
3Strength
If the yoke thickness is made uniform, then consistent clamping force is achieved in both directions, but the molding tool cannot easily remove the yoke
Solution Approach 1:
The yoke is segmented into two components with different functions: the first component has the draft surface for easy molding removal, while the second component provides the uniform thickness for consistent clamping force. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by assigning each requirement to a separate component that works together with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the yoke assembly have different thickness characteristics optimized for their specific functions. The first yoke component has a tapered thickness for molding removal, while the second yoke component has uniform thickness for clamping consistency. This local quality optimization allows each region to fulfill its specific requirement.
Data Source
AI summary
A dome camera mechanism for an improved gimbal pan assembly which allows rotation of an optical module of the dome camera over 360 degrees in a pan direction using a track and a guide.