Integral Paddle-Gear Camera Shutter for Thermal Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera shutter mechanisms for thermal imaging night vision cameras are costly, difficult to manufacture, and require high power and frequent recalibration due to temperature sensitivity, necessitating improved features for reliability and ease of use across a wide temperature range.

Innovation Solution

A camera shutter arrangement featuring a motor-driven pinion gear and integral paddle-gear member that moves a paddle portion between blocking and non-blocking positions to control light exposure, utilizing a monolithic structure formed from plastic or polymeric materials via injection molding, ensuring low-cost, lightweight, and low-power operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional camera shutter mechanisms are used, then the shutter can control light exposure, but the manufacturing cost is high and manufacturing difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The paddle and gear are merged into a single integral paddle-gear member, eliminating the need for separate components and simplifying manufacturing. This monolithic structure is formed through injection molding, reducing assembly steps and manufacturing complexity while maintaining the shutter's light-blocking function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integral paddle-gear member serves multiple functions simultaneously: the paddle portion blocks light to calibrate the sensor, while the gear portion engages with the pinion gear to provide mechanical movement. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and simplifies the mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Use of energy by moving object

If traditional camera shutter mechanisms are used, then the shutter can control light exposure, but the power requirements are high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower requirementsVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical shutter mechanisms with a simplified motor-driven pinion gear system that actuates the integral paddle-gear member. This substitution reduces power consumption by eliminating the need for high-power motors and complex mechanical linkages while maintaining reliable operation through the direct engagement of the pinion gear with the paddle-gear member.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the sensor is exposed to varying temperatures, then the sensor can operate in different environments, but the sensor requires frequent recalibration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature rangeVSAvoidrecalibration frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a black body reference target that can be positioned in front of the sensor before operation. This preliminary calibration action allows the sensor to be normalized to a known reference temperature, enabling accurate operation across varying temperature ranges without frequent recalibration. The black body provides a stable reference point for temperature compensation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 provides a reliable, cost-effective, and energy-efficient camera shutter mechanism capable of maintaining performance over an extended period and varying temperatures, effectively calibrating and normalizing the infrared sensor in thermal imaging night vision cameras.

Implementation Method 1

The gear portion extends from the paddle portion and meshes with the pinion gear to move the paddle portion between a first position and a second position when the motor is energized

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGear meshing: Gear

Implementation Method 2

A camera shutter arrangement includes a motor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

a paddle that can be temporarily positioned in front of the sensor to block the incoming light and that effectively act as a black body for recalibrating or normalizing the sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS10057469B2Camera shutter arrangements and camera arrangements including camera shutter arrangements

Publication Date: 2018.08.21 MAGNA ELECTRONICS LLC

AI summary

A camera shutter arrangement is provided. The camera shutter arrangement includes a motor. A pinion gear is operatively coupled to the motor. An integral paddle-gear member includes a paddle portion and a gear portion. The gear portion extends from the paddle portion and meshes with the pinion gear to move the paddle portion between a first position and a second position when the motor is energized.