Removable Magnetic Camera Unit With Segmented Casing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera systems have limited line of sight due to mounting structures and require dynamic reconfiguration to capture specific features or changing locations, which is not efficiently addressed by current technologies.
Innovation Solution
A camera system comprising a magnetic base and a removable main camera unit with a metallic and non-metallic portion, allowing for magnetic coupling and wireless data transmission, along with a heat sink for thermal management, enabling flexible mounting and wireless communication without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a camera is mounted using a fixed mounting structure, then the camera can be installed at a specific location, but the line of sight is limited and cannot be dynamically reconfigured
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is divided into two main segments: a fixed magnetic base and a removable camera unit. This segmentation allows the camera unit to be independently positioned and reconfigured without moving the base structure, thereby improving line of sight flexibility while keeping the mounting structure simple and fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical mounting structure (screws, brackets, adhesives) is replaced with a magnetic coupling system. The magnetic base generates a magnetic field that holds the camera unit in place through magnetic attraction, eliminating complex mechanical fastening mechanisms while enabling easy repositioning and removal of the camera unit.
2Force
If a metallic casing is used for the camera unit, then magnetic coupling to the base is enabled, but wireless communication may be interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The casing is designed with non-uniform material distribution: metallic portions are placed where magnetic coupling is needed (opposite the magnetic base), while non-metallic portions are placed where wireless communication occurs. This local differentiation allows the same casing to simultaneously provide strong magnetic attraction and permit wireless signal transmission without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera unit casing is constructed as a composite structure combining metallic and non-metallic materials. The metallic portions (such as a metallic ring or plate) provide the necessary magnetic coupling force to the magnetic base, while the non-metallic portions (such as plastic or polymer sections) allow wireless communication signals to pass through without significant attenuation or interference.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a removable camera unit is used for flexible positioning, then adaptability is improved, but connection reliability between the camera unit and base may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The removable connection mechanism is replaced with a magnetic coupling system. The magnetic force between the magnetic base and the metallic portion of the camera unit provides a reliable and stable connection that is comparable to or stronger than traditional mechanical fasteners, while still allowing easy attachment and detachment for repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is designed to be dynamically adjustable: the camera unit can be easily attached and detached by overcoming the magnetic force, and once attached, it maintains a stable connection that can withstand normal operational conditions. The magnetic coupling strength can be adjusted by changing the magnetic field intensity or the distance between the magnetic base and camera unit.
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 camera system provides a flexible and efficient means to capture images from a wide range of angles and positions while maintaining wireless communication and thermal management, overcoming the limitations of traditional camera systems.
Implementation Method 1
The removable main camera unit of the camera may be removably coupled to the magnetic base based on a magnetic force between the magnetic base and the metallic portion of the inner casing
Implementation Method 2
a heat sink that may be configured to transfer heat away from the processor
Implementation Method 3
an air gap between the metallic portion and non-metallic portion that may aid in the transfer of heat away from the processor
Data Source
AI summary
At least one aspect of present disclosure is directed towards a camera that includes a magnetic base and a removable main camera unit. The removable main camera unit may include an outer casing, a processor, a lens housing, a wireless communications interface, and an inner casing. The inner casing may reside within the outer casing and includes at least a metallic portion and a non-metallic portion. The non-metallic portion may form a non-metallic region that may extend from at least a first boundary of the metallic portion to a second boundary of the metallic portion through a central axis of the inner casing. The removable main camera unit may be configured to be removably coupled to the magnetic base based on a magnetic force between the magnetic base and the metallic portion of the inner casing.