Interchangeable Lens Module for Secure Waterproof Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capture devices with permanently secured lens assemblies limit the ability to capture multiple types of images and are not suitable for outdoor activities due to their rigidity and lack of versatility.
Innovation Solution
An image capture device with a housing that includes a receptacle and a mechanical coupling mechanism for an interchangeable lens module, allowing for easy attachment and detachment of lens modules, along with a rotatable collar for secure connection and a strategic seal to prevent water ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the lens assembly is permanently secured to the housing, then the connection strength and image quality are improved, but the versatility and adaptability for capturing different types of images are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lens assembly is divided into a separate lens module that can be detached from the housing. The module includes a lens, image sensor, and mounting mechanism that can be independently attached or removed, allowing users to switch between different lens modules for different capture scenarios while maintaining secure connections during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting mechanism transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic releasable connection. The collar can be rotated to lock or release the lens module, providing on-demand attachment and detachment capabilities that adapt to different usage scenarios while maintaining connection strength when locked.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the lens assembly is permanently secured, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of operation for switching between different lenses is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lens module is pre-assembled with the image sensor and mounting mechanism before attachment to the housing. This preliminary assembly ensures proper alignment and stability when mounted, while the simple rotational operation of the collar provides easy on-demand attachment and detachment without complex procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar's rotational mechanism automatically locks or releases the lens module without requiring additional tools or complex operations. The user simply rotates the collar to the desired position, and the mechanical engagement handles the attachment or detachment function, making the operation simple and intuitive.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a releasable mechanical coupling mechanism is used, then the versatility and ease of operation are improved, but the reliability and waterproofing are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is extracted from the lens module itself and placed in the housing as a separate waterproofing barrier. The seal engages with the lens module's mounting mechanism, creating a waterproof barrier that protects the electrical connections and internal components while allowing the module to be releasably attached and detached.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal acts as an intermediary element between the lens module and the housing. It mediates the connection by providing a waterproof barrier that maintains reliability during attachment and detachment operations, ensuring that water and dust cannot penetrate to the electrical connections while still allowing the mechanical coupling to function for versatile lens switching.
4Reliability
If a seal is added to prevent water ingress, then the waterproofing and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged with the existing mounting mechanism rather than adding a completely separate waterproofing system. The seal integrates with the collar and lens module attachment structure, providing waterproofing for the electrical connections while using the same mechanical components already present in the lens mounting system, thus minimizing additional complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An image capture device includes a housing defining a receptacle having a housing electrical interface and a mechanical coupling mechanism coupled to or connected with the housing at a location of the receptacle. The image capture device includes an interchangeable lens module that releases connection with the mechanical coupling mechanism. The interchangeable lens module includes a module electrical interface and an imaging sensor. A collar rotatable about the interchangeable lens module and lockable to the mechanical coupling mechanism to secure the interchangeable lens module to the housing and couple the module electrical interface to the housing electrical interface.