Multi-Camera Assembly With Elastic Frame Pans for Smooth Panning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surveillance cameras face challenges in securing sufficient spacing between camera modules for panning, leading to increased product size and limitations in miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
A multi-camera assembly is designed with a plurality of camera modules, frame pans, a frame bottom, a shaft pan, and elastic members to facilitate smooth panning, reduce module size, and improve interface locations for a compact structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If spacing between camera modules is increased to enable smooth panning, then panning performance is improved, but product size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an elastic member that enables dynamic adjustment of spacing between camera modules. The elastic member allows the modules to move closer during panning operation while maintaining smooth rotational movement, and returns to original position when panning is completed. This dynamic mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing panning smoothness without requiring permanently increased product size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spacing parameter between camera modules from a fixed value to a variable value that adjusts during panning operation. The elastic member enables the spacing to change dynamically - decreasing during panning for smooth operation and increasing when idle to minimize overall product size. This parameter change approach allows the system to optimize both panning performance and compactness at different operational states.
2Volume of moving object
If camera module size is reduced to secure panning spacing, then product compactness is improved, but panning angle is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member enables dynamic spacing adjustment that allows smaller camera modules to achieve larger effective panning angles. As modules rotate, the elastic member compresses and extends, permitting greater angular displacement than would be possible with fixed rigid mounting. This dynamic mechanism allows reduced module size while maintaining or even increasing the achievable panning angle range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the rigid connection between frame pan and camera modules by introducing the elastic member as a flexible connection element. This segmentation allows each camera module to be smaller while the elastic connection compensates for the reduced individual module capabilities through flexible movement, thereby maintaining the overall panning angle requirement.
3Volume of moving object
If interface location is improved to reduce overall height, then product compactness is enhanced, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the interface from a side-positioned configuration to a top-positioned configuration on the frame pan. This dimensional change in interface location allows the overall height of the product to be reduced, as the interface now utilizes the vertical space above the camera modules rather than extending the side profile. The structural complexity increase is minimal, involving primarily the repositioning of interface components to the top surface of the frame pan.
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 smooth panning experience, increases the panning angle while reducing camera module size, and achieves a more compact appearance with a reduced overall height.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member interposed between each of the frame pans and the frame bottom
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a multi-camera assembly including a plurality of camera modules; a plurality of frame pans for respectively supporting the camera modules such that each camera moule is tiltable relative to each frame pan; a frame bottom constructed to support the frame pans thereon such that the frame pans are able to revolve around a center axis of the frame bottom in a panning direction of the camera modules; a shaft pan disposed on the frame bottom and constructed to fix inner sides of the frame pans; and an elastic member interposed between each of the frame pans and the frame bottom.