Impact-Resistant Imaging Apparatus with Elastic Bearing Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional impact-resistant monitoring cameras with dome covers face issues such as decreased resolution due to surface accuracy errors and glare from infrared reflections, and direct impact risks to rotational shafts when not covered, which can lead to damage.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with a camera unit and pan unit that utilize elastic members on bearings to absorb and redirect impact forces, allowing the camera to move relative to its rotational shafts and preventing damage, while maintaining water resistance through seals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a dome cover is made of impact-resistant material to protect the lens unit, then impact resistance is improved, but surface accuracy deteriorates leading to decreased resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the dome cover from the optical system entirely, extracting the protective function to a separate impact-absorbing mechanism that does not interfere with optical performance. The lens unit is exposed without a covering dome, eliminating surface accuracy issues while impact protection is provided by a dedicated mechanical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary impact-absorbing mechanism between the external environment and the lens unit. This mediator absorbs impact forces through deformation of a pressing member and movement of a support member, protecting the lens unit without requiring a dome cover that would compromise optical quality.
2Strength
If a dome cover is used to protect the lens unit, then impact resistance is improved, but infrared reflections and ghost images occur due to inner surface reflections
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the dome cover from the optical path, eliminating the source of infrared reflections and ghost images. The protective function is extracted to a separate mechanical impact-absorbing structure that does not interfere with infrared transmission or create optical artifacts.
3Manufacturing precision
If the lens unit is not covered with a dome cover to maintain optical quality, then resolution is improved, but the rotational shaft and driving components are directly exposed to impact
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements beforehand cushioning by providing an impact-absorbing mechanism with elastic elements and movable support members that are pre-configured to absorb impact forces before they can reach the rotational shaft and driving components. The pressing member and support member create a cushioning system that activates upon impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary protective structure between external impacts and the rotational shaft assembly. The bracket, pressing member, and support member form a mechanical intermediary that absorbs and dissipates impact energy, protecting the sensitive rotational components without requiring a dome cover.
4Strength
If an impact-absorbing mechanism is added to protect the lens unit, then impact resistance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention achieves multi-functionality by designing the bracket and support member structure to simultaneously provide mechanical support, rotation capability, and impact absorption. The pressing member serves both as a structural component and as the impact-absorbing element, reducing the need for separate dedicated impact protection components.
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
The solution effectively inhibits impact damage to the camera unit and maintains water resistance by allowing the camera to move and absorb impact forces, preventing damage to the rotational shafts and ensuring continuous operation.
Implementation Method 1
The first bearing and the second bearing have an elastic member disposed on an outer periphery or on an inner periphery. The camera unit is movable relative to the tilt rotational shaft in a case where an impactive force is applied to the camera unit.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes a camera unit configured to support a lens unit including an image sensor, and capable of rotating about a tilt rotational shaft via a first bearing, and a pan unit configured to support the camera unit, and capable of rotating about a pan rotational shaft via a second bearing, wherein the first bearing and the second bearing have an elastic member disposed on an outer periphery or on an inner periphery, wherein the camera unit is movable relative to the tilt rotational shaft in a case where an impactive force is applied to the camera unit, and wherein the pan unit is movable relative to the pan rotational shaft in a case where the impactive force is applied to the camera unit.