Magnetic Lens Cap and Stand Coupling for Video Conference Cameras
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current videoconferencing systems face challenges with low-resolution cameras, complex setup of high-end cameras, and security issues due to the lack of integrated lens covers and incompatible camera stands, which hinder efficient and secure high-quality video conferencing, especially in multi-speaker scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A camera system with a cylindrical housing integrating magnets for secure coupling to stands and lens caps using ferromagnetic materials, allowing for rapid stand and lens cap attachment/detachment with electropermanent magnets for adjustable magnetic attraction, enhancing security and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-end cameras with high quality lenses are used, then video image quality is improved, but setup complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lens cap is divided into two functional parts: a protective cover for the lens and a magnetic attachment mechanism. This segmentation allows the lens cap to be easily attached and removed without complex setup procedures, resolving the contradiction between high image quality and simple setup by making the protective accessory extremely simple to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical attachment methods (screws, clips, or adhesive) with magnetic attraction for attaching the lens cap and stand to the camera. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical assembly steps while maintaining secure attachment, thereby reducing setup complexity while preserving the ability to use high-quality camera equipment.
2Reliability
If lens covers are integrated into high-end cameras, then security against unauthorized capture is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of integrating the lens cover directly into the camera body (which would increase device complexity), the patent extracts the lens cover function into a separate, removable cap that attaches magnetically. This externalization provides security when the cap is attached while keeping the camera design simpler and more flexible.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic lens cap serves multiple functions: it protects the lens from scratches, prevents unauthorized capture when attached, and can be easily removed when capture is needed. This multi-functionality in a single simple component achieves security without adding device complexity.
3Strength
If camera stands with threaded coupling are used, then secure mounting is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex setup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces threaded mechanical coupling with magnetic attraction for attaching the camera stand to the camera body. This substitution maintains secure mounting through magnetic force while dramatically simplifying the attachment and detachment operations, eliminating the need for threads, nuts, or complex mechanical fastening procedures.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple camera stands with different coupling mechanisms are used, then adaptability to different cameras is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupling mechanism serves as a universal attachment method that can be applied to various camera types and stand configurations. By using magnets and ferromagnetic materials, the system achieves broad compatibility without requiring different coupling mechanisms for different cameras, thereby maintaining adaptability while reducing overall system complexity.
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 system securely couples high-quality cameras to stands and lens caps, simplifying setup and use, ensuring secure video conferencing with enhanced camera positioning and flexibility, while maintaining professional appearance and reducing setup complexity.
Implementation Method 1
A camera integrates a magnet in an opening of a bottom surface that accepts a stand member having a ferromagnetic material so that magnetic attraction couples the camera to the stand
Implementation Method 2
A lens cap couples to a front face of the camera over a lens by magnetic attraction of one or more magnets integrated in the camera front face and ferromagnetic material integrated in the lens cap
Implementation Method 3
electropermanent magnets for adjustable magnetic attraction
Data Source
AI summary
A camera built into a cylindrical housing couples to a stand with a stand member that inserts into an opening having a magnet attracted to ferromagnetic material integrated in the stand member. The stand member may couple to a bracket that holds the camera at a display or to a tripod that places the camera between the display and an end user participating in a video conference. A lens cover couples over a front face of the camera with magnetic attraction and is stored at a rear face of the camera with magnetic attraction. In various embodiments, sensors detect lens cap and/or stand member position to control camera power and/or camera visual image capture operations.