IP Camera Cover Blocking Memory Card Slot Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a risk of memory cards being lost or removed from IP cameras, as existing designs do not effectively secure the memory card slot.

Innovation Solution

An IP camera design featuring a cover with an inner surface that attaches around the camera body's engaging face, blocking the entrance path to the memory card slot, and incorporating a hook structure for secure attachment and a cable connector mechanism to prevent unauthorized removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the memory card receiving slot is left accessible, then ease of operation is improved (memory card can be easily inserted and removed), but reliability deteriorates (memory card may be lost or accidentally removed)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvememory card retentionVSAvoidmemory card access
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is divided into a first cover portion and a second cover portion that can rotate relative to each other. The first cover portion blocks the receiving slot when closed, while the second cover portion provides an opening for memory card insertion. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously provide both security (when closed) and accessibility (when opened).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover transitions from a static blocking structure to a dynamic system where the second cover portion can rotate between a first position (providing access) and a second position (providing blockage). This dynamic configuration allows the memory card slot to switch between accessible and blocked states, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a cover structure is added to block the receiving slot, then reliability is improved (memory card security), but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvememory card retentionVSAvoidcover structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover structure serves multiple functions: it blocks the receiving slot when closed, provides a rotation mechanism for controlled access, and includes a specific geometric configuration (first and second cover portions) that enables both security and accessibility. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The second cover portion is rotatably connected to the first cover portion, with the rotation axis extending along the width direction. This nested rotational mechanism allows the smaller second cover portion to move within the context of the larger first cover portion, creating a compact multi-functional structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If the cover is made detachable with a cable connector mechanism, then ease of operation is improved (authorized access), but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthorized memory card accessVSAvoidcable connector mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable connector acts as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the user's need to access the memory card and the system's need to secure it. The connector can be detached to allow cover removal and memory card access, providing a controlled intermediate state between full security and full accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable connector mechanism prevents unauthorized removal by requiring deliberate action (detaching the connector) before the cover can be removed and memory card accessed. This preliminary anti-action counteracts potential unauthorized access while maintaining ease of operation for authorized users who can intentionally detach the connector.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentEP3445035B1IP camera having cover for blocking entrance path to memory card receiving slot
Publication Date: 2022.12.07 SERCOMM CORP
  • EP3445035B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3445035B1 patent drawingFigure 1C
  • EP3445035B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

An IP camera including a camera body and a cover is provided. The camera body includes an engaging face arranged on a side contoured surface surrounding the camera body and has a receiving slot being concave inwards the camera body from the engaging face for insertion of a memory card. The cover has an opening and an internal surface surrounding the opening. The internal surface of the cover is configured to surround and engage with the engaging face of the camera body. The cover is configured to block an entrance path to the receiving slot when the internal surface of the cover surrounds and engages with the engaging face of the camera body.