Modular Camera Cable System with Universal Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera systems with detachable camera head units and main units lack flexibility in cable connections, limiting usability and extension capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A camera system with a main unit, a camera head unit, and interchangeable cables featuring identical connector structures, allowing for basic, extension, and additional extension states, enabling flexible usage and common part manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the camera head unit and main unit are connected via a single fixed-length cable, then the connection is simple and reliable, but the flexibility and extension capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cable connection system is segmented into multiple modular cable units (first cable and second cable) that can be independently connected. Each cable has standardized connector sections that can be joined together, allowing the system to transition from a single fixed-length cable to an extended multi-cable configuration, thereby achieving cable length extendibility while maintaining connection simplicity through standardized interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The connector sections are designed with universal compatibility, where the second connector section and fourth connector section have the same structure and can both connect to the main unit side. This universal design allows any cable with matching connectors to be interchanged and combined, enabling the same connector to serve multiple functions in different connection configurations (basic, extended, or additional extension states)
2Ease of manufacture
If different connector structures are used for each cable position, then each connection is optimized for its specific function, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements connector standardization by designing the second connector section and fourth connector section with identical structures, both capable of connecting to the main unit side. This universal connector design simplifies manufacturing by using common parts across different cable positions and configurations, while simultaneously maintaining high adaptability as these standardized connectors can be freely combined in various arrangements to achieve different connection states
3Reliability
If the camera system requires additional large-scale circuitry to maintain performance when detached, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains reliable signal transmission and power supply when the camera head unit is detached by utilizing the existing cable infrastructure and connector designs. The standardized connectors and cable configurations enable the system to self-maintain its functional integrity without requiring additional large-scale circuitry, as the same basic circuits serve both connected and detached operational states through different physical configurations
Data Source
AI summary
A main unit and a camera head unit including an image sensor and being detachably attachable to the main unit are included. Further, a first cable including a first connector section and a second connector section and being capable of connecting between the camera head unit and the main unit, and a second cable including a third connector section and a fourth connector section and being capable of connecting between the camera head unit and the main unit via the second cable and the first cable connected with the second cable are included. In addition, the second connector section and the fourth connector section have a same structure.