Rotatable Lens Protection Member for Network Camera Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network cameras face issues with dew condensation, snow cover, and external impacts, which obstruct image recording, and require complex replacement of heater and glass components when damaged.
Innovation Solution
An image pickup apparatus with a rotatable holding member for the lens protection member, allowing easy detachment and replacement, and a heater system that efficiently prevents dew and snow accumulation while withstanding external forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the heater glass is fixed to the casing, then the heating efficiency is improved, but the replacement complexity increases and repairability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heater assembly is segmented into separable components: the heater element, the holder, and the glass plate. This allows the glass plate to be replaced independently without replacing the entire heater assembly or disassembling the casing, resolving the contradiction between maintaining heating efficiency and enabling easy replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is designed with rotational capability, allowing it to move between a first position (where the glass plate is fixed/secured) and a second position (where the glass plate can be detached). This dynamic mechanism enables easy replacement while maintaining secure fixation during operation, resolving the contradiction between repairability and operational reliability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the heater glass is attached to the casing, then the structural stability is improved, but the impact resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The glass plate is separated from the casing structure and instead attached to the holder assembly. This segmentation allows the glass plate to be replaced without replacing the holder or casing, maintaining structural stability while enabling easy replacement if the glass is damaged by impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable holder provides a dynamic mounting solution where the glass plate can be securely fixed in the first position for structural stability, but can be easily detached by rotating to the second position if impact damage occurs, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and impact resistance.
3Reliability
If the camera window is made of glass to enhance heating efficiency, then the heating performance is improved, but the vulnerability to breaking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The glass plate is made a separate, replaceable component rather than being permanently integrated into the heater or casing. This allows the glass to be replaced independently if broken, maintaining heating performance while mitigating the vulnerability to breaking by enabling easy replacement without replacing the entire heater assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable holder mechanism allows the glass plate to be easily removed and replaced by rotating between fixed and detached positions. This dynamic design maintains heating performance during operation while significantly reducing the impact of glass breakage by enabling quick replacement, thus resolving the contradiction between heating performance and vulnerability to breaking.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the holding member is made fixed, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of operation for replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed with rotational capability, allowing it to move between a first position (where the glass plate is securely fixed for structural stability) and a second position (where the glass plate can be easily detached for replacement). This dynamic mechanism resolves the contradiction between structural stability and ease of operation for replacement.
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
Improves operability in replacing the lens protection member, reduces the risk of damage from external impacts, and maintains efficient heating and protection against environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
some types of network cameras are provided with a heater that heats the camera window
Implementation Method 2
the holding member is rotatable between a first position in which the protecting member is fixed to the casing and a second position in which the protecting member is attachable to and detachable from the casing
Data Source
AI summary
An image pickup apparatus 100 has a casing; a camera unit configured to be disposed in the casing and hold a lens; a protecting member 140 configured to protect the camera unit; and a holding member configured to hold the protecting member 140 and to be rotatably held to the casing around a shaft serving as a central axis. The holding member is rotatable between a first position at which the protecting member 140 is fixed to the casing and a second position at which the protecting member 140 is attachable to and detachable from the casing.