Rotatable Lens Module Latch Mechanism for Vibration Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Image capturing devices in vehicles face reliability issues due to lens module orientation changes caused by vibrations, which affect image quality.

Innovation Solution

An image capturing device with a rotatable lens module and a latch mechanism that restricts rotation, allowing the lens module to be locked in place and prevent loosening from external vibrations, using a restriction unit and latch system that adjusts pressure to enable or restrict rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the lens module is made rotatable to accommodate different mounting locations and imaging angles, then the adaptability of the image capturing device is improved, but the orientation stability deteriorates due to vibrations causing unintended rotation

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidorientation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism transitions between two states: engaged (locked) and disengaged (unlocked). When engaged, it restricts lens module rotation to maintain orientation stability. When disengaged, it allows rotation for adaptability. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between stability and versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The restriction unit changes the rotational constraint parameter of the lens module based on latch position. In the locked state, rotational freedom is restricted to maintain stable orientation. In the unlocked state, rotational freedom is increased to enable positioning adjustments, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If the latch mechanism applies sufficient pressure to the restriction unit to lock the lens module orientation, then the orientation stability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveorientation stabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The latch, restriction unit, and lens module are integrated into a unified locking mechanism. The latch works in conjunction with the restriction unit to achieve orientation stabilization, combining multiple functions into a coordinated system that manages complexity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The restriction unit acts as an intermediary between the latch and the lens module. The latch applies force to the restriction unit, which in turn applies frictional force to the lens module to prevent rotation. This intermediary mechanism efficiently transmits and transforms the locking force while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 locks the lens module orientation, enhancing the reliability of the image capturing device by preventing vibration-induced changes, thus improving image quality and stability.

Implementation Method 1

the restriction gasket presses the module surface to restrict the rotation of the lens module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11536926B2Image capturing device
Publication Date: 2022.12.27 QUANTA COMPUTER INC
  • US11536926B2 patent drawing
  • US11536926B2 patent drawing
  • US11536926B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An image capturing device is provided. The image capturing device includes a device housing, a lens module, a restriction unit, and a latch. The device housing has an insertion slot. The lens module pivots on the device housing. Relative to the device housing, the lens module is adapted to be rotated between a first module orientation and a second module orientation. The restriction unit is disposed in the device housing. The latch passes through the insertion slot of the device housing, wherein the latch is adapted to be moved between a first latch position and a second latch position. When the latch is in the first latch position, the latch sufficiently pushes the restriction unit. When the latch is in the second latch position, the pressure from the latch applied to the restriction unit is decreased.