Sealed Articulating Camera Flex Circuit Hinge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable communication devices with articulating cameras face challenges in protecting these cameras from rugged environments while maintaining their range of motion and electrical interconnects, especially in public safety settings where they are exposed to wetness, smoke, and dust.
Innovation Solution
A sealed camera assembly using a coiled flex circuit and a single seal to accommodate the barrel hinge and extended end of the flex, allowing the camera to rotate freely without limiting its range, while maintaining protection against environmental elements and wear and tear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the camera is made articulating to increase wearing position versatility, then the camera can be positioned in multiple orientations, but the device becomes more complex and harder to seal against environmental elements
Solution Approach 1:
The camera assembly is divided into separate sealed components: the camera module, the pivot housing, and the seal assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall sealing integrity during articulation movements
Solution Approach 2:
A seal assembly acts as an intermediary element between the camera module and pivot housing, enabling relative movement while maintaining environmental sealing. The seal accommodates the articulation motion without compromising the sealed environment
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the camera is sealed to protect against environmental elements, then protection against wetness, smoke, and dust is improved, but the range of motion and articulation freedom are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The seal assembly is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid, allowing it to deform and accommodate the range of motion required for camera articulation while continuously maintaining the sealed environment against environmental contaminants
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible seal assembly is used instead of rigid sealing methods. The flexible nature of the seal allows it to conform to movement while maintaining the barrier against environmental elements, thus preserving both protection and articulation freedom
3Reliability
If multiple seals are used to ensure complete sealing of the articulating camera, then sealing reliability is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sealing functions are merged into a single integrated seal assembly that simultaneously seals around the barrel hinge, flex circuit, and other moving components. This consolidation maintains comprehensive sealing while reducing the total number of separate seal parts
Data Source
AI summary
An improved seal assembly for an articulating camera (102) is provided in a communication device (100). The articulating camera (102) a coiled flex circuit (208) and pivot housing (110). The coiled flex circuit (208) provides for range of motion. The coiled flex circuit (208) has a flex extension (218) that threads through a barrel hinge (214) of the pivot housing (110). The barrel hinge (214) and flex extension (218) are sealed via a single seal (306) having a circumferential seal (312) and pocket (308) thereby allowing the coiled flex circuit (208) to continue to provide range of rotation within the pivot housing (110).