Removable Lens Accessory Mounts With Angled Bearings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capture devices lack efficient mechanisms for connecting and disconnecting removable accessories that minimize the need for axial forces, which can lead to wear and tear on the device and accessories.
Innovation Solution
The integration of angled bearing surfaces on the mounting structure and accessory of the image capture device allows for a bearing effect during rotation, facilitating connection and disconnection without the need for axial forces, using a range of motion less than 90 degrees.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional axial connection mechanisms are used for removable accessories, then the connection structure is simple, but axial forces cause wear and tear on the device and accessories
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from axial connection (one dimension) to rotational connection (another dimension). The mounting structure and accessory utilize angled bearing surfaces that convert rotational motion into axial positioning, eliminating the need for direct axial forces during connection and disconnection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces angled bearing surfaces as an intermediary mechanism between the mounting structure and accessory. These surfaces act as mediators that translate rotational motion into axial displacement, reducing wear by preventing direct axial contact forces during attachment and detachment.
2Reliability
If axial forces are applied during connection and disconnection, then the mounting mechanism is simple, but wear and tear increases on the device and accessories
Solution Approach 1:
The connection operation moves from axial direction to rotational direction. The angled bearing surfaces are configured to engage during rotation, converting the operational force vector from axial to rotational, thereby reducing wear while maintaining ease of operation.
3Productivity
If a rotation range of less than 90 degrees is used for connection, then the connection speed is improved, but the mounting mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the rotational angle parameter to be less than 90 degrees, which speeds up the connection process. The angled bearing surfaces are specifically designed with precise angles to achieve proper engagement within this reduced rotational range, balancing speed and complexity through parameter optimization.
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
This solution reduces wear and tear on the device and accessories by minimizing the need for axial forces during connection and disconnection, enhancing durability and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The mounting structure and the accessory include corresponding angled bearing surfaces that are configured for engagement such that rotation of the accessory relative to the mounting structure creates a bearing effect that displaces the accessory along the optical axis
Data Source
AI summary
An image capture device is described that includes a body; a mounting structure that is connected to the body; an integrated sensor-lens assembly (ISLA) that defines an optical axis and extends through the body and the mounting structure; and an accessory that is releasably connectable to the mounting structure via rotation through a range of motion less than approximately 90 degrees. The mounting structure and the accessory include corresponding angled bearing surfaces that are configured for engagement such that rotation of the accessory relative to the mounting structure creates a bearing effect that displaces the accessory along the optical axis to thereby reduce any axial force required during connection and disconnection of the accessory.