Nested Dome Observation Device Impact Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing observation devices with outer and inner domes face challenges in being both vandal-resistant and compact, as thicker domes increase manufacturing costs and may lead to internal stresses, while complex multi-layer constructions result in light loss and increased refraction, making them costly and difficult to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A camera design with a transparent outer dome and an inner dome, where the inner dome contributes significantly to impact resistance by having a ratio of impact energies at least 1.1, with a minimal thickness for the outer dome and strategically placed thickened portions, and optionally made of metal, to maintain compactness and prevent image distortion, while allowing easy access and minimal light loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the diameter of the outer dome is increased to provide spacing between the lens and the inner side of the outer dome for impact resistance, then the camera becomes more resistant to vandalism, but the camera size increases and image distortion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested dome structure where an inner dome is placed inside the outer dome. The inner dome serves as a protective barrier for the lens during impact events, while the outer dome maintains a compact overall camera size. This nested configuration allows the camera to achieve vandal resistance without increasing its external dimensions, as the protective function is achieved through the internal arrangement of domes rather than by enlarging the outer casing.
2Reliability
If the thickness of the outer dome is increased to improve impact resistance, then the camera becomes more vandal-proof, but manufacturing costs increase and internal stresses lead to dome failure
Solution Approach 1:
The protective dome system is segmented into multiple separate components: an outer dome and an inner dome. Instead of using a single thick dome that would be costly to manufacture and prone to internal stress failure, the protection function is divided between two thinner domes. The inner dome specifically protects the lens area, while the outer dome provides the external protective barrier. This segmentation allows each dome to be manufactured more easily with lower material requirements while collectively providing superior impact resistance.
3Reliability
If multiple dome layers are used to improve impact resistance, then the camera becomes more vandal-resistant, but light loss increases and refraction occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The inner dome is designed with selective transparency: it is transparent specifically in the field of view area to allow light passage to the lens, while other portions of the inner dome can be opaque or have different optical properties. This local differentiation ensures that light transmission is maintained where needed for image capture, while the dome structure still provides impact protection in non-critical areas. The strategic placement of transparency resolves the contradiction between protection and light transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
An observation device includes a housing and an optical lens having a field of view. The housing includes an outer dome having at least one transparent portion and an inner dome. The optical lens is accommodated within the housing. The outer dome is transparent in the field of view of the lens and is configured to protect the lens. The observation device is resistant to impact by an object with a maximum impact energy of a first magnitude. A like observation device, but lacking an inner dome, is resistant to impact by the object with a maximum impact energy of a second magnitude. The ratio between the first magnitude and the second magnitude is at least 1.1.