Interchangeable Lens Module With Stepped Aperture Mount
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vision system cameras face challenges in accommodating multiple lens types without compromising image quality, as standard lens mounts require precise placement and often involve costly changes to the physical housing or package, and interchangeable designs struggle with electrically operated components.
Innovation Solution
A vision system housing with a front plate assembly that accommodates multiple lens types, including M12, M16, and C-Mount lenses, using a stepped aperture for threaded mounting and a spring clip arrangement for liquid lenses, allowing for interchangeable lenses without reducing image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If standard lens mounts are used for precise placement, then image quality is maintained, but the housing requires costly changes to accommodate multiple lens types
Solution Approach 1:
The front plate assembly is designed with multiple threaded mounting configurations (M12, M16, C-Mount) integrated into a single component, allowing the housing to accommodate various lens types without requiring separate housing designs or costly modifications. This universal mounting solution maintains precise lens placement while enabling lens interchangeability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable lens designs are used, then lens flexibility is improved, but electrically operated components become difficult to accommodate
Solution Approach 1:
The front plate assembly serves as an intermediary component that integrates both mechanical mounting functions and electrical connection interfaces. By incorporating threaded mounts and electrical interfaces into a single integrated assembly, the design simplifies the connection of electrically operated lenses while maintaining interchangeability, avoiding the complexity of separate mechanical and electrical coupling systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lens types are accommodated, then system versatility is improved, but the physical housing requires costly changes
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting functionality is segmented into a separate front plate assembly that can be manufactured independently with multiple threaded configurations. This allows the main housing to remain unchanged while the front plate provides multi-lens capability, significantly reducing manufacturing costs compared to modifying the entire housing structure for each lens type.
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
Enables the use of various lens types within a single vision system housing without the need for costly physical changes, maintaining image quality and simplifying installation and maintenance by allowing for easy attachment and detachment of lenses.
Implementation Method 1
A spring clip arrangement with retaining shoulders that is secured by screws to threaded holes around the aperture, engages portions of the housing or shell of the liquid lens module
Data Source
AI summary
This invention provides a vision system having a housing and an interchangeable lens module is provided. The module is adapted to seat on a C-mount ring provided on the front, mounting face of the housing. The module is attached via a plurality of fasteners that pass through a frame of the module and into the mounting face. The module includes a connector in a fixed location, which mates with a connector well on the mounting face to provide power and control to a driver board that operates a variable (e.g. liquid) lens within the optics of the lens module. The driver board is connected to the lens body by a flexible printed circuit board (PCB), which also allows for axial motion of the lens body with respect to the frame. This axial motion can be effected by an adjustment ring that can include an indexed/lockable, geared, outer surface.