Doorbell Camera Waterproof Button Assembly with LED Light Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for efficient, accurate, and effective methods for mounting, powering, and operating smart electronic devices, particularly in outdoor environments where they are exposed to severe weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a smart electronic device, such as a camera module, with an existing outdoor device like a doorbell, utilizing existing infrastructures for mounting, powering, and operating the device, while incorporating resistance mechanisms against severe weather conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a network-connected camera is installed outdoors to provide video monitoring and security, then the surveillance capability is improved, but the device is exposed to severe weather conditions requiring additional power supplies and physical routing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a camera module with a doorbell device into a single integrated unit. The camera module includes an image sensor, lens assembly, and processing unit, while the doorbell device includes a button assembly and housing. This integration allows the camera to leverage the doorbell's existing power supply infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate power routing while maintaining reliable outdoor video monitoring capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a smart device is mounted outdoors to function under severe weather conditions, then the operational capability is improved, but the mounting structure must be compact and robust
Solution Approach 1:
The camera module is integrated within the doorbell device housing, sharing the same mounting structure. The doorbell housing is designed to be mounted on a door or wall, and the camera module is positioned within this housing to face the same direction. This unified mounting approach provides robust weather protection without requiring a separate complex mounting system.
Solution Approach 2:
The doorbell device includes a waterproof button assembly with a flexible membrane that allows button actuation while maintaining water resistance. Similarly, the camera module housing is designed with weather-resistant seals and protective coatings to withstand outdoor environmental conditions including rain, snow, and temperature variations.
3Area of stationary object
If a camera module is integrated with a doorbell device, then the space utilization is improved, but the device must provide high-power processing and low-light illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of camera module and doorbell device into a single housing consolidates the power requirements. The doorbell's existing power supply infrastructure is designed to provide sufficient power for both the doorbell button assembly and the camera module's high-power processing unit, infrared illuminators, and LED indicators, eliminating the need for separate power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera module includes infrared illuminators and LED indicators that operate periodically or on-demand based on environmental conditions. The infrared illuminators activate during low-light conditions to enable night vision, while LED indicators provide status information. This periodic operation reduces overall power consumption while maintaining high-power processing capability when needed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables the smart electronic device to operate reliably and efficiently in outdoor environments, providing high-power processing, low-light illumination, and concurrent HD video streaming, while being protected from weather-related issues.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible gasket is configured to deflect in response to a press on the button top of the button assembly
Implementation Method 2
The light guide component is configured to distribute light of the LEDs to the peripheral region of the flexible gasket
Implementation Method 3
The flexible gasket has a top surface impermeable to water and edges that extend beyond sides of the button top
Data Source
AI summary
This application is directed to a doorbell camera for illuminating and capturing scenes. The doorbell camera includes at least a subset of processors for operating a camera module, an image sensor having a field of view of a scene and configured to capture video of a portion of the scene, one or more infrared (IR) illuminators for providing illumination, a waterproof button assembly, and a microphone and a speaker for enabling a real-time conversation between a visitor located at the doorbell camera and a user of a remote client device. The waterproof button assembly is configured to receive a user press on a button top, block water from entering the electronic device, and display a visual pattern uniformly at a peripheral region of the button assembly using LEDs and light guide component that are disposed under the button top.