Imaging Device Housing Bulging Sections for Load Redirection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing imaging apparatus designs face issues with durability due to warping of the top cover and wiring board when a load is applied, potentially causing contact between the top cover and the lens module, which can lead to damage of components like the CPU and memory.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates bulging sections in the housing that receive loads from the top cover via light guide and light blocking bodies, redirecting the force away from the wiring board, thereby preventing warping and enhancing durability without increasing the apparatus' thickness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the top cover is supported only at the outer edges by the housing, then the top cover can be simple in structure, but the wiring board warps when load is applied to the center, causing component damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidcomponent durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is segmented into multiple functional sections: edge support portions for supporting the top cover outer edges, and bulging sections for receiving loads from the top cover center. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function, preventing load transfer to the wiring board while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The light guide body and light blocking body serve as intermediary structures between the top cover and the housing. They transmit loads from the top cover center to the housing bulging sections without allowing direct contact between the top cover and lens module, thereby protecting the wiring board from warping

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the space between the top cover and lens module is widened to prevent contact, then component damage is prevented, but the apparatus thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent protectionVSAvoidapparatus thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of increasing the vertical space between the top cover and lens module, the solution redirects loads horizontally to the housing bulging sections. The light guide body and light blocking body transmit loads in a direction that utilizes the housing structure rather than requiring additional vertical clearance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing bulging sections are designed in advance to receive and absorb loads from the top cover center before these loads can transfer to the wiring board. This pre-positioned load reception structure prevents wiring board warping without requiring increased apparatus thickness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 configuration allows for a simple and durable imaging apparatus by ensuring that loads are absorbed by the bulging sections, reducing the risk of warping and component damage, while maintaining a compact size.

Implementation Method 1

a ring-shaped light guide body that diffuses light emitted from an illumination light emitting element toward a subject

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight diffusion: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

a ring-shaped light blocking body that blocks light rays such as that emitted from the illumination light emitting element and leaked from the spaces between components within the imaging apparatus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3748427B1Image pickup device
Publication Date: 2024.04.17 FUJITSU FRONTECH LTD
  • EP3748427B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3748427B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3748427B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An imaging apparatus (1) includes: a wiring board (40); an imaging unit (P) that includes a lens module (50) and an imaging element (41) mounted on the wiring board (40); a housing (10) that assumes a frame shape and includes an opening in the direction of an optical axis (A) of the imaging unit (P) ; a top cover (30) placed over the housing (10); a light source (42) that emits light to travel to the outside through the top cover (30) ; and a light guide body (61, 62) that surrounds the lens module (50) and guides the light emitted from the light source (42), wherein the imaging unit (P) is spaced apart from the top cover (30) by a space (G2), the housing (10) includes a bulging section (11) bulging toward the lens module (50) without being in contact (G1) the wiring board (40), and the bulging section (11) receives a load (L5) applied from the top cover (30) via at least the light guide body (61, 62).