Modular Camera System with Interchangeable Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional digital cameras have integrated components that are difficult to replace or upgrade, limiting flexibility and functionality.

Innovation Solution

A modular camera system with a brain module and interchangeable modules such as port expanders, power modules, and display modules, allowing users to customize and upgrade components without needing a new camera system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If components are permanently integrated into a main framework, then structural stability and reliability are improved, but adaptability and ease of upgrade are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidcomponent replaceability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The camera system is divided into a main framework and separate interchangeable modules (lens modules, flash modules, viewfinder modules). Each module can be independently attached or detached through standardized mounting interfaces, allowing component replacement without affecting the overall structural integrity of the camera body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If all components are integrated into a single unit, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and functionality are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem integrationVSAvoidfunctional customization

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The camera system employs a universal mounting interface that can accommodate multiple types of modules (lens, flash, viewfinder, and future modules). This standardized interface allows a single camera body to perform multiple functions by simply changing the attached module, providing functional versatility without increasing the complexity of the main framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If components are made replaceable, then adaptability and ease of upgrade are improved, but structural stability and manufacturing precision are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent interchangeabilityVSAvoidalignment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting interfaces for both the camera body and modules include pre-formed alignment features (alignment pins, guide rails, or keyed interfaces) that automatically position modules correctly during attachment. This preliminary alignment structure ensures that modules are precisely positioned without requiring complex adjustment procedures or sacrificing manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10771671B2Modular motion camera

Publication Date: 2020.09.08 NIKON CORP

AI summary

Modular digital camera systems are disclosed. The modular digital camera system can include a brain module configured to be releasably coupled to one or more of a port extender module, power module, display module, and handle module. The brain module and other accessory modules can be structured according to some embodiments to increase an ease of coupling and decoupling the modules. The brain module can include an antenna, such as a slot antenna, for transmitting and receiving radiofrequency signals.