Dual-Rotation Camera Hub for Flexible Positioning in Tight Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal imaging cameras with rigid camera bodies and stationary displays can be cumbersome to use, especially in confined spaces, as they do not allow for flexible positioning of components.
Innovation Solution
A camera design featuring a central hub with rotatable camera sub-assemblies and a rotational coupling system that allows independent rotation of the camera sub-assemblies around the hub, with electrical cables guided through slots to manage cable routing and maintain connectivity during rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the camera body and display are stationary relative to the handle, then the structural integrity and electrical connectivity are maintained, but the ease of operation in confined spaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is divided into separate rotatable sub-assemblies (camera body, display) that can independently rotate around the handle, allowing each component to be positioned independently for optimal operation in confined spaces while maintaining structural integrity through the modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The camera components transition from a static rigid structure to a dynamic configuration where the camera body and display can rotate independently around the handle, enabling adaptive positioning in different operational scenarios while maintaining electrical connectivity through flexible cable management
2Adaptability or versatility
If the camera components are made rotatable to improve flexibility, then the ease of operation in confined spaces improves, but the cable management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical cable transitions from a rigid fixed connection to a flexible dynamic connection that can accommodate rotational movement, allowing the cable to flex and move with the rotating components while maintaining continuous electrical connectivity
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical cable acts as a flexible connector that allows rotational movement between components, providing the necessary flexibility for the camera body and display to rotate independently while maintaining electrical connectivity without the complexity of rigid cable management systems
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments provides a camera, having a first camera sub-assembly, a hub coupled to the first camera sub-assembly, a second camera sub-assembly coupled to the hub and rotatable relative thereto and a third camera sub-assembly coupled to the hub and rotatable relative thereto. The third camera sub-assembly can be in electrical communication with the first camera sub-assembly and/or the second camera sub-assembly via the hub. The hub can include a slot to guide electrical cable(s). Net torque acting on the camera can be zero such that one of the first rotational coupling or the second rotational coupling when rotated to a new position via an applied torque remains in the new position when the applied torque is released.