Modular Camera Module With Removable Support Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Completely self-contained camera modules face challenges in maintenance, as replacing malfunctioning cameras can be time-consuming and difficult, requiring identification of specific faulty components and involving complex procedures.
Innovation Solution
A modular design with a housing and internal support structure that allows for easy removal and replacement of cameras and support structures without tools, enabling quick field replacement and reduced manufacturing variability, with pre-configured spare components for minimal setup and calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If cameras are permanently secured to the support structure, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is divided into separable modules: the support structure with mounting features and the camera assemblies. This segmentation allows cameras to be precisely positioned during manufacturing while enabling easy removal and replacement in the field without affecting the support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system transitions from a permanent fixed state during manufacturing to a dynamically removable state in the field. Quick-release mechanisms allow the system to switch between secured and removable states, maintaining positioning precision when installed but enabling easy replacement when needed.
2Ease of repair
If cameras are easily removable from the support structure, then ease of repair is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Mounting features and alignment elements are pre-configured on the support structure during manufacturing to ensure precise camera positioning. These pre-established mechanical guides and registration features maintain consistent positioning across multiple camera installations and replacements.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional permanent mechanical fastening is replaced with a modular mechanical interface system that provides both precise positioning during manufacturing and easy removal in the field. The mechanical interface includes alignment features for precision and release mechanisms for ease of replacement.
3Loss of time
If individual cameras are replaced, then loss of time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera and its mounting interface are merged into a standardized module that attaches to the support structure through a unified quick-release mechanism. This merging allows the entire camera assembly to be replaced as a single unit, reducing maintenance time while keeping the replacement procedure simple through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure and mounting interface are designed with universal features that work with multiple camera models and configurations. This universality allows any camera to be replaced with any compatible camera using the same procedure, simplifying the replacement process while reducing downtime.
Data Source
AI summary
A completely self-contained camera module and operating method are provided. The camera module includes a housing member for mounting to a desired surface, an internal support structure positioned within the housing, and at least two cameras secured to the support structure. Each camera has a field of view to an exterior of the housing. The support structure being operably configured to be readily securable to and removable from the housing so that the support structure and cameras can easily be installed during manufacturing to at least reduce manufacturing variability and so that, if a module is not working in the field, an operator can at least readily replace the support structure and cameras as desired with a different support and cameras in the field without requiring tools and without needing to locate and replace a specific malfunctioning camera.