Modular Camera Housing With Magnetic Power and Ejectable Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a modular electronic device system that allows easy switching, adjustment, and modification of components within a networked system without replacing peripheral accessories, while maintaining a uniform aesthetic appearance and supporting multiple device sizes with secure mounting and pass-through electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
A modular electronic device system featuring a removable outer casing with a series of contiguous walls, an interior void, and a module separation assembly that includes a button to disengage a latch and a second compression spring for separating the electronic device module, along with magnetic mounting and a magnetically retained power connector for electrical communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a modular electronic device system with removable outer casing is used, then ease of operation for module replacement is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components like latches and separation assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separable modules: a removable outer casing and an electronic device module. This segmentation allows independent replacement of each module, improving ease of operation while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
A latch mechanism acts as an intermediary component between the casing and electronic device module. This mediator enables secure attachment during operation and controlled separation during replacement, resolving the contradiction between secure mounting and easy replacement
2Reliability
If a latch mechanism is added to secure the electronic device module, then reliability of mounting is improved, but ease of operation for module separation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latch serves as a mediator that provides secure mounting during operation but can be easily actuated by the separation assembly. The latch's design allows it to maintain reliable attachment while being simple to release, resolving the contradiction between security and ease of separation
Solution Approach 2:
The module separation assembly is designed to be actuated from outside the casing, allowing users to easily trigger module removal without complex internal mechanisms. The system serves itself by using external actuation to control the latch release
3Ease of operation
If magnetic mounting is implemented for the electronic device module, then ease of operation for attachment is improved, but strength of mounting deteriorates compared to mechanical fastening
Solution Approach 1:
The solution merges magnetic attachment with a mechanical latch system. The magnetic force provides easy initial attachment and holding, while the mechanical latch reinforces the connection to achieve mounting strength comparable to traditional mechanical fastening methods
4Adaptability or versatility
If a pass-through electrical connection is added to the casing, then adaptability for power supply options is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional electrical pathway components
Solution Approach 1:
The casing is designed with universal electrical pathway components that support multiple power supply options (internal battery or external power source). This multi-functionality allows the same casing structure to accommodate different power configurations, improving adaptability while managing complexity through standardized components
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
Enables easy module replacement and interchangeability with secure mounting and power supply, maintaining a uniform appearance and supporting various device sizes, including cameras and floodlights, while ensuring secure and efficient electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetically retained power connector for electrical communication
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrical pathway is formed between a receiving port located on an outer surface of the casing and the electronic device module received therein, such that a power supply may pass from a power connector that is magnetically attached to the port, to the electronic device module via the intermediate casing. The casing and electronic device modules further cooperate to form a module separation assembly that may be activated to remove or eject the electronic device module from within the casing.