Removable Camera Lens Cover Tool-Free Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lens cover replacement systems for action cameras in outdoor and sports environments are labor-intensive and require extensive tool sets, making them inefficient and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A removable camera lens cover system that uses embedded wires and protruding wedges on the camera to secure and release the lens cover without the need for tools, allowing for easy and tool-free replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional lens cover replacement is used, then the lens cover can be replaced, but the process is labor-intensive and requires extensive tool sets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems (screws, clips, adhesives) with a magnetic attachment system. The lens cover includes magnetic elements that interact with corresponding magnetic elements in the camera housing, enabling tool-free attachment and detachment through simple proximity-based magnetic attraction, thereby eliminating the need for complex tool sets and reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic attachment system enables the lens cover to self-align and self-secure to the camera housing without external tools or complex alignment procedures. The magnetic force automatically guides the lens cover into the correct position and maintains secure attachment, allowing users to simply attach or detach the cover without requiring specialized knowledge or equipment
2Productivity
If traditional lens cover replacement is used, then the lens cover can be replaced, but the process is labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing manual mechanical fastening operations with magnetic attraction, the patent enables instantaneous attachment and detachment of the lens cover. The magnetic force engages immediately when the cover approaches the housing, eliminating time-consuming manual fastening operations and significantly increasing replacement productivity while reducing the time lost in the replacement process
3Reliability
If traditional lens cover attachment is used, then the lens cover can be secured, but the process may cause damage to the lens cover or camera
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic attachment system replaces forceful mechanical fastening methods with gentle magnetic attraction. The magnetic force securely holds the lens cover in place without requiring excessive insertion force or complex fastening operations, thereby reducing the risk of damaging the lens cover, camera housing, or internal components during the attachment process while maintaining reliable securement
Data Source
AI summary
A camera is configured for use with a removable camera lens cover, which can be secured to or removed from the camera by a user without the use of a tool set. The mechanism which allows the lens cover to be secured to and removed from the camera includes a set of wires embedded into the lens cover and a set of wedges protruding from the lens wall of the camera. To secure the lens cover to the camera, the lens cover is placed onto the front of the camera and rotated until the wires align with corresponding wedges, securing the wires underneath the tapered surface of the wedges. To remove the lens cover from the camera, a force is applied outward and normal to the lens cover, causing the wires to flex outward and enabling the rotation and removal of the lens cover from the camera.