Imaging Apparatus Lens Unit Oblique Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional monitoring camera apparatuses with impact absorbing mechanisms are insufficient in protecting the lens unit from impacts originating from oblique directions, as they cannot always perform a retreat operation in the optical axis direction, leading to potential damage.
Innovation Solution
The imaging apparatus incorporates a dome cover, a lens unit with elastic support for retreat operations along the optical axis, a base unit for tilting support, and a fixing base unit, allowing the lens unit to retreat and absorb forces from multiple directions, including oblique impacts by utilizing elastic members like coil springs or rubber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the camera unit is supported to be linearly movable in the vertical direction only, then vertical impact can be absorbed, but oblique impact cannot be effectively absorbed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static support structure into a dynamic one by enabling the camera unit to move not only vertically but also in the optical axis direction through the elastic supporting unit. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to impacts from multiple directions by automatically adjusting the movement direction based on the impact vector.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds another dimension of movement by allowing the camera unit to retreat in the optical axis direction in addition to vertical movement. This dimensional expansion enables the system to handle oblique impacts that combine both vertical and horizontal force components, effectively resolving the limitation of single-directional movement.
2Reliability
If the lens unit is fixed in position, then structural simplicity is maintained, but impact forces cannot be absorbed effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by providing an elastic supporting unit that预先 prepares the lens unit to absorb impact forces. The elastic members are pre-installed to provide immediate cushioning when impact occurs, protecting the lens unit from direct force transmission without requiring complex active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic supporting unit acts as an intermediary between the lens unit and the fixed structure. This intermediary component absorbs and dissipates impact energy through elastic deformation, preventing direct transmission of harmful forces to the lens unit while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
3Strength
If the dome cover is made of polycarbonate resin for impact resistance, then durability is improved, but deformation under impact can still damage internal construction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful deformation energy into beneficial cushioning action. When the dome cover deforms under impact, the elastic supporting unit simultaneously deforms in the opposite direction, absorbing the impact energy and preventing it from reaching the internal construction. The deformation that would normally be harmful is instead utilized as part of the energy absorption mechanism.
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
This configuration enables effective absorption of impact forces from various directions, preventing damage to the lens unit and ensuring the dome cover does not clash with it, thereby protecting the internal camera construction.
Implementation Method 1
a supporting unit configured to elastically support the lens unit so that the lens unit is capable of performing a retreat operation in an opposite direction from an object and along an optical axis direction of the lens unit
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes a lens unit including a lens and an image sensor, a lens unit supporting unit for supporting the lens unit, a base unit for supporting the lens unit supporting unit in a manner that can tilt, a fixing base unit for supporting the base unit, a dome cover mounted to the fixing base unit, and an elastic member for elastically supporting the lens unit so that the lens unit can perform a retreat operation in an opposite direction from an object and along an optical axis direction of the lens unit when a force is applied thereto from the dome cover and even if the lens unit supporting unit leans in a tilt direction.