Spring-Loaded Lens Holder for Dome Camera Distance Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dome surveillance cameras face challenges in maintaining a fixed distance between the lens and the dome's inner surface when using interchangeable lenses, which can lead to reflections and calibration issues, and existing solutions either increase bulkiness or require time-consuming recalibration.

Innovation Solution

A dome camera design featuring a spring-loaded lens holder that maintains a fixed axial distance between the lens and the housing, allowing for interchangeable lenses without altering the distance between the lens and the dome's inner surface, using an elastic member to ensure consistent positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the lens holder is spring-loaded to maintain fixed distance between lens and housing, then the distance consistency is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance consistencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

An elastic member (spring) is introduced as an intermediary between the lens holder and housing to maintain the fixed axial distance. The spring acts as a mediator that automatically compensates for lens length variations while keeping the distance between the lens front end and housing front end constant, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The lens holder's position parameter is made dynamically adjustable through spring loading, allowing it to adapt to different lens lengths while maintaining the required distance constraint. The spring's elastic property enables the system to change its configuration parameter (lens holder position) in response to different lenses while preserving the critical distance parameter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the housing is designed with extra space to accommodate longer lenses, then the adaptability is improved, but the volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens interchangeabilityVSAvoidhousing volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The lens holder is designed with dynamic positioning capability through spring loading, allowing it to move axially to accommodate different lens lengths. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables the housing to adapt to various lens configurations without requiring excessive fixed space, as the lens holder automatically positions itself optimally for each lens type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded lens holder mechanism serves multiple functions: it maintains fixed distance, accommodates different lens lengths, and provides consistent positioning. This universal mechanism allows the same housing to work with various lenses without requiring lens-specific design modifications, achieving versatility without increased volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the distance between lens and dome is increased to protect the lens, then the reliability is improved, but reflections increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens protectionVSAvoidreflections
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of maximizing the distance for protection, the spring-loaded mechanism positions the lens at the optimal partial distance that provides sufficient protection while minimizing reflections. The elastic member allows the lens to be positioned close enough to the dome for protection but not so close as to cause excessive reflections, achieving a balanced compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

Enables easy lens interchangeability without recalibration, maintaining a consistent distance between the lens and the dome, reducing bulkiness, and simplifying handling and maintenance of the camera system.

Implementation Method 1

the lens holder is spring loaded in relation to the housing by an elastic member arranged in a position between the housing and the lens holder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11122192B2Dome camera
Publication Date: 2021.09.14 AXIS
  • US11122192B2 patent drawing
  • US11122192B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A camera comprising a housing, a lens, a lens holder and an image sensor is provided. The image sensor is supported by the lens holder. The lens holder comprises a through-going channel configured to coaxially and lockably receive the lens in a position in which a rear end of the lens faces the image sensor. The lens holder is spring loaded in relation to the housing by an elastic member arranged in a position between the housing and the lens holder into a position in which a front portion of the lens is forced into abutment with a first lens stop arranged in the housing, thereby providing a fixed axial distance between a front end of the lens and a front end of the housing.