Magnetic Camera Lens Connector for Fast Optical Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digiscoping devices are cumbersome, complex, and require tedious alignment, with multiple moving parts that increase the risk of connection failure and deteriorated picture quality.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile digiscoping system with a tab, adapter, and cap, utilizing embedded magnets for secure, easy, and instantaneous connection of a camera lens to an optical instrument, allowing for quick setup and consistent alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional digiscoping devices are used, then connection security is achieved, but device complexity increases and alignment becomes tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment and securing systems with a magnetic field-based system. Magnets embedded in the adapter and corresponding magnetic elements in the tab work together to automatically align and secure the camera to the optical instrument, eliminating the need for manual alignment mechanisms and complex fastening systems while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic connection system is self-aligning and self-securing. When the tab is brought near the adapter, the magnetic attraction automatically pulls them into proper alignment and secures them together without requiring user intervention for alignment or manual operation of multiple fastening components. The system serves itself to achieve both alignment and connection security.
2Reliability
If traditional digiscoping devices are used, then connection is secured, but alignment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field replaces mechanical alignment mechanisms, providing instantaneous attraction that automatically brings the tab and adapter into proper alignment. This eliminates the time-consuming manual adjustment and mechanical positioning required by traditional systems, while the magnetic force simultaneously secures the connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic elements are pre-positioned within the adapter and tab during manufacturing, so that when the components are brought into proximity, the alignment action occurs automatically without requiring user manipulation. The magnetic field is already configured to guide the components into the correct position, eliminating preliminary alignment steps.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple moving parts are used in digiscoping devices, then connection flexibility is achieved, but connection failure risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates multiple moving parts from the connection system, replacing them with a simple magnetic attraction mechanism. By removing complex mechanical components such as adjustable arms, multiple fasteners, and alignment mechanisms, the system reduces the number of parts that could fail while maintaining connection flexibility through the magnetic field's ability to accommodate slight positioning variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic connection system changes the fundamental parameter of connection from mechanical interlocking to magnetic attraction. This parameter change allows the system to maintain flexibility in accommodating different camera and instrument configurations while reducing failure risk, as magnetic fields are tolerant of minor misalignments and do not suffer from mechanical wear or loosening.
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
Provides a user-friendly, easy-to-install, and cost-effective solution that ensures consistent image quality by magnetically securing the camera lens to the optical instrument, reducing alignment time and minimizing connection failures.
Implementation Method 1
one or more magnets located within the tab body positioned between the first side and the second side... one or more magnets positioned within the adapter body, the one or more adapter magnets aligned with the one or more tab magnets for magnetically securing the tab to the adapter
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed for a camera lens to optical instrument connector. An apparatus includes a tab having a tab body comprising a first side, a second side, and an aperture, one or more magnets located within the tab body, and a means for connecting the first side to a device such that a camera lens of the device is aligned with the tab aperture. The apparatus includes an adapter having an adapter body comprising a first side, a second side, and an aperture, one or more magnets positioned within the adapter body, the one or more adapter magnets aligned with the one or more tab magnets for magnetically securing the tab to the adapter, and an adapter sidewall protruding along an axis perpendicular to an edge of the first side for securing the adapter onto an eyepiece of a lensed optical instrument.