Retractable Data Connector Arm for Digital Video Camera
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Digital video cameras require complex procedures and additional components like data cables and software for capturing, storing, and sharing videos, making them difficult for users without technical expertise to operate and manufacture efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A digital video camera with a built-in digital video image sensor, internal memory, and a retractable USB or IEEE 1394 data connector arm that allows direct transfer of footage to external devices, simplifying the process and integrating necessary components into a single portable unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If digital video cameras use external data cables and additional software for data transfer, then data transfer functionality is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the data connector, transfer mechanism, and software application into a single integrated unit attached to the digital video camera. This merging eliminates the need for separate external cables and software installations, directly resolving the contradiction by reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated unit serves multiple functions: it acts as a data connector, a transfer mechanism, and a software application launcher. This multi-functionality allows the single unit to replace multiple separate components, thereby reducing complexity while preserving all necessary data transfer capabilities.
2Ease of manufacture
If digital video cameras require multiple additional components (tapes, cables, software), then data transfer capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the data connector, transfer mechanism, and software application into a single integrated unit, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This directly addresses the contradiction by lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining data transfer functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the complex system of multiple separate components (cables, software installations) into a single self-contained unit. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the number of parts that need to be produced, stored, and assembled.
3Loss of time
If special software must be installed from CD or DVD before data transfer, then data transfer functionality is achieved, but ease of operation and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The software application is pre-loaded onto the integrated unit during manufacturing, eliminating the need for users to perform preliminary software installation from CD or DVD. This preliminary action resolves the contradiction by saving setup time and improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated unit is self-sufficient, containing all necessary software and functionality within itself. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external software installation media and procedures, directly reducing setup time and improving user convenience.
Data Source
AI summary
A digital video camera may include a digital video image sensor for capturing digital video footage to be stored on an internal memory. The digital video image sensor and internal memory may be housed in a camera body. A retractable arm having a data connector may be attached to the camera body. The arm can be extended from and retracted into the camera body, while the data connector can be used to transfer digital video footage to an external device, such as a computer. The data connector may conform to a standard for connecting peripheral devices, such as the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard or the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394 (IEEE 1394) standard.