Segmented Shell 360 Camera Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Virtual reality systems face challenges in heat dissipation and scalability, leading to potential camera calibration issues and inadequate customization for various user needs.
Innovation Solution
A scalable 3D, 360-degree camera system with a spherical configuration of cameras and segmented outer and inner shells, featuring overlapping fields of view, apertures, and offset inner shell segments for improved heat dissipation and modular design for customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple cameras are used to capture 360-degree images and video, then the quality and coverage of virtual reality content is improved, but heat generation increases causing overheating and camera calibration issues
Solution Approach 1:
The outer shell is divided into multiple segments that can be separated to create ventilation pathways. This segmentation allows heat to escape from the camera assembly while maintaining the protective enclosure when segments are assembled, directly addressing the heat dissipation problem without compromising camera stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mounting pins and corresponding mounting pin interfaces as intermediary elements between the camera assembly and outer shell segments. These intermediaries provide a stable, precise mounting mechanism that maintains camera calibration while allowing for thermal expansion and contraction, thus resolving the contradiction between heat management and calibration stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed camera system configuration is used, then manufacturing and deployment is simplified, but the system cannot be customized for different user needs and purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The outer shell is segmented into multiple interchangeable sections that can be configured in different arrangements. This segmentation enables the system to be scaled and customized for different applications (individual use, small groups, large organizations) while maintaining a standardized modular architecture that doesn't overly complicate manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting pin and mounting pin interface design creates a universal connection system that works across all outer shell segments and camera configurations. This universal interface allows the same modular components to serve multiple purposes and be adapted to various user needs without requiring entirely different system designs.
3Volume of moving object
If cameras are positioned close together to reduce system size, then the device becomes more compact, but heat dissipation becomes more difficult and camera calibration is more easily affected
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented outer shell design creates internal ventilation channels that allow heat to dissipate efficiently even when cameras are positioned close together. The segments can be slightly separated to open pathways for heat escape, enabling compact camera placement without sacrificing thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical arrangement of cameras around the central aperture creates an efficient thermal distribution pattern. The curved geometry allows heat to radiate outward in multiple directions simultaneously, improving heat dissipation while maintaining a compact overall form factor.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a single large outer shell is used to enclose all cameras, then the structure is simpler, but the system cannot be easily customized or scaled for different purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The outer shell is divided into multiple standardized segments that can be assembled in different configurations. This segmentation transforms a potentially complex customization problem into a simple matter of arranging standardized modules, enabling the system to be adapted for different user groups and purposes while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner shell with the central aperture is nested within the modular outer shell segments. This nested structure allows the core camera assembly to remain constant while the outer segments are added, removed, or reconfigured to match different application requirements, achieving customization without excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A scalable three-dimensional (3D), 360-degree camera system is configured to capture images and/or video across 360 degrees of a local area. The camera system includes a plurality of cameras that are coupled to a spherical inner core, which is enclosed within an exterior shell composed of several segments. The exterior shell segments include apertures that align with each camera, and an interior shell component is concentrically aligned with each aperture. The configuration of the exterior shell segments and the interior shell components protect the camera assembly from physical damage and the environment and additionally improve heat dissipation from internal components of the camera system. Design parameters of the camera system can be determined to adjust the number of cameras, the size of the inner core, the positioning of the cameras on the inner core, and the number and configuration of the segments of the interior and exterior shell.