Rear Connector Arrangement for Compact Camera Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Digital video cameras for business use face an issue with increased handling size due to protruding cables when connectors are arranged on inclined surfaces, as described in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 2017-76859, which complicates handling and usability.
Innovation Solution
The image capturing apparatus features a connection terminal section with obliquely downward-facing connector arrangement surfaces on the rear side, preventing cable protrusion and maintaining a compact size by arranging connectors such that they do not overlap in the front-rear direction but overlap in the vertical direction, thereby reducing the overall handling size when cables are connected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If connectors are arranged on inclined surfaces of the camera body, then the number of connectors can be increased, but the handling size of the camera increases due to cable protrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The connector arrangement surfaces are positioned on the rear side of the camera body and inclined to face obliquely downward, utilizing the vertical dimension and rear surface area. This allows multiple connectors to be arranged in a compact configuration where they overlap in vertical projection but are separated in the front-rear direction, enabling increased connector capacity without increasing the camera's horizontal handling size.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector arrangement surfaces are asymmetrically positioned and inclined at specific angles to face obliquely downward. This asymmetric arrangement allows cables to hang naturally downward when connected, preventing cable protrusion that would increase handling size, while still accommodating multiple connectors on the rear side of the camera body.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connectors are provided on the camera body, then multi-functionality is enhanced, but the size of the camera body increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple connector arrangement surfaces are arranged on the rear side of the camera body at different positions that do not overlap in the front-rear direction but overlap in vertical projection. This three-dimensional arrangement allows multiple connectors to be integrated into a compact space without increasing the overall camera body size, thereby enhancing multi-functionality while maintaining a compact form factor.
3Reliability
If connectors are arranged on the rear side to prevent damage, then connector protection is improved, but cable management becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The connector arrangement surfaces are inclined to face obliquely downward, creating an asymmetric configuration that allows cables to hang naturally downward when connected. This orientation improves cable management by preventing cables from protruding outward or interfering with camera handling, while the rear side positioning continues to provide protection against impact and moisture.
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing apparatus capable of suppressing an increase in the handling size thereof in a state in which cables are connected thereto. The image capturing apparatus is provided with a connection terminal section on a rear side of an image capturing apparatus body. The connection terminal section includes a plurality of first connector arrangement surfaces and first external connection terminals provided on the first connector arrangement surfaces, respectively. The first connector arrangement surfaces are arranged at respective locations not overlapping each other as viewed from a front-rear direction of the image capturing apparatus body and overlapping each other as viewed from a vertical direction of the image capturing apparatus body and are arranged such that the first connector arrangement surfaces face obliquely downward toward the rear of the image capturing apparatus body.