Imaging Apparatus Tilt Cover Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging apparatuses with impact resistance and waterproof properties face issues where external impacts directly damage the lens unit due to the absence of a dome cover, leading to reduced resolution and ghosting effects from reflected infrared light.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a tilt unit and pan unit with elastic support members that allow the tilt cover and pan cover to rotate and move independently, absorbing and redirecting external impacts away from the lens unit, thereby reducing the propagation of forces to the lens unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a dome cover is made of resin to provide impact resistance, then impact resistance performance is improved, but deformation of the dome cover occurs under large impact causing contact with internal structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an impact absorbing mechanism that includes a movable plate and elastic members positioned between the dome cover and the lens unit. When impact occurs, the movable plate moves in the direction of the impact force, and the elastic members are compressed to absorb the impact energy, preventing the deformed dome cover from contacting the lens unit. This cushioning mechanism is pre-installed to handle impact situations before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable plate serves as an intermediary element between the dome cover and the lens unit. It transmits and distributes the impact force away from the lens unit while the elastic members mediate the force transmission by compressing to absorb energy. This intermediary structure prevents direct contact between the deformed dome cover and the sensitive lens unit.
2Strength
If a dome cover is provided to protect the lens unit, then impact resistance is improved, but light reflection on the inner surface causes ghosting and reduces image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional dome cover structure that causes light reflection problems. Instead, it uses a open front design where the lens unit is exposed without a covering dome, thereby eliminating the source of light reflection and ghosting while maintaining impact protection through alternative means (movable plate and elastic members).
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the lens unit is exposed without a dome cover, then image quality is improved by eliminating light reflection, but external impact directly damages the lens unit
Solution Approach 1:
The impact absorbing mechanism with movable plate and elastic members is pre-installed to cushion against external impacts before they reach the lens unit. The elastic members are compressed during impact to absorb energy, protecting the exposed lens unit from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable plate acts as an intermediary protective element between the external environment and the lens unit. It absorbs and distributes impact forces, serving as a mediator that protects the exposed lens unit without causing light reflection like a traditional dome cover would.
4Strength
If elastic support members are used to allow cover movement for impact absorption, then impact resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The impact protection function is segmented into distinct components: a movable plate that moves independently to absorb impact, and elastic members that provide cushioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic members (such as elastic plates or springs) provide flexible cushioning capability. These flexible elements can deform to absorb impact energy while maintaining a compact structure, avoiding the need for complex mechanical shock absorption systems.
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 effectively reduces the impact's transmission to the lens unit, enhancing impact resistance and maintaining image quality by preventing direct contact between external forces and the lens unit, while also providing a space for heat dissipation and cooling.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic support member to support the first cover
Implementation Method 2
a second elastic support member to support the second cover
Implementation Method 3
the tilt cover and pan cover to rotate and move independently, absorbing and redirecting external impacts away from the lens unit
Implementation Method 4
providing a space for heat dissipation and cooling
Data Source
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AI summary
An imaging apparatus (100) configured to reduce propagation of an impact that is applied from outside to a lens unit (101). The imaging apparatus includes: a lens unit (101) including an imaging element and an optical system; a tilt case body (102) configured to cover and support the lens unit; and a tilt cover (105) configured to cover the tilt case body, wherein the tilt cover is supported by the tilt case body so as to be rotatable in a tilt direction in conjunction with the tilt case body and be movable with respect to the tilt case body.