Monolithic Multi-Camera Chassis for Thermal and Stray Light Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-camera systems face challenges in reducing size, improving thermal performance, and simplifying manufacturing while maintaining structural integrity and reducing stray light risk, particularly in integrating optical image stabilization and autofocus mechanisms within a compact chassis.
Innovation Solution
A chassis design featuring multiple portions with varying wall thicknesses, recesses, and shared interior side walls that integrate shield cans and camera chassis into a monolithic component, utilizing subtractive manufacturing to form features such as pockets and stiffeners, which shorten thermal conduction paths and reduce aperture sizes, thereby enhancing structural integrity and thermal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If multiple separate components (shield cans, camera chassis) are used in multi-camera systems, then manufacturing and assembly are simpler, but the overall size increases and thermal performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (shield cans, camera chassis, mounting structures) into a single integrated monolithic chassis. This merging eliminates the need for separate parts, reducing overall system volume while maintaining all necessary functions for multi-camera mounting and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The monolithic chassis serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, acts as a shield can for electromagnetic interference protection, serves as a mounting platform for multiple cameras, and provides thermal conduction paths. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
2Temperature
If uniform wall thickness is used in chassis design, then manufacturing is easier, but thermal conduction performance and structural integrity vary
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis employs varying wall thicknesses in different regions to optimize local thermal conduction and structural properties. Thicker walls are positioned where enhanced thermal conduction or structural support is needed, while thinner walls are used where less performance is required, achieving optimal overall performance.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If larger apertures are used for camera mounting, then camera installation is easier, but stray light risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture is segmented into multiple sections with individual adjustable shutters for each camera opening. This allows precise control of light paths for each camera independently, blocking stray light while maintaining easy camera installation and alignment through the segmented structure.
4Reliability
If separate shield cans are used for each camera, then electromagnetic interference protection is better, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual shield cans are merged into a single continuous monolithic chassis structure that provides electromagnetic interference protection for all cameras simultaneously. This integrated shield maintains the protective function while eliminating the complexity of assembling multiple separate shield 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
The solution enables a compact multi-camera system with improved thermal performance, reduced stray light risk, simplified manufacturing, and enhanced structural integrity by integrating multiple components into a single unit, allowing for a tighter fit and better sealing, while accommodating various camera profiles and actuator configurations.
Implementation Method 1
shorten thermal conduction paths
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments include a chassis for a multi-camera system and techniques for forming such a chassis. The chassis may comprise multiple chassis portions that define cavities for mounting cameras. Some embodiments include a chassis portion comprising an integrated shield can-chassis that may be formed as a single component. According to some embodiments, subtractive manufacturing may be used to form one or more features of the chassis.