Self-Aligning Vision Bracket Assembly for Stable 3D Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing emitter-receiver pairs in electronic devices are prone to calibration issues due to relative shifting or movement, leading to inaccurate dimensional information determination when subjected to external forces.

Innovation Solution

A self-aligning bracket assembly with an alignment module and flexible spring elements secures the vision system modules, maintaining a fixed distance and preventing relative movement, while an alignment module aligns the system within the electronic device enclosure without mechanical fastening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the emitter-receiver pair is secured with direct attachment to the enclosure, then the spatial relationship between components is fixed, but the device complexity increases and alignment precision during assembly deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespatial relationship stabilityVSAvoidattachment structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A bracket assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the vision system modules and the enclosure. The bracket carries the emitter and receiver modules and maintains their spatial relationship without direct attachment to the enclosure, simplifying the overall structure while ensuring component stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket assembly is pre-configured with the emitter and receiver modules at the correct spatial relationship before installation. This preliminary arrangement ensures proper alignment and spatial stability without requiring complex attachment structures or post-installation calibration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If the bracket assembly is directly attached to the enclosure, then the vision system is fixed in position, but the alignment precision with the masking layer deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevision system position stabilityVSAvoidalignment precision with masking layer

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket assembly is designed to self-align with the masking layer during assembly. The alignment module on the transparent cover engages with features on the bracket, automatically positioning the vision system correctly without requiring precise pre-positioning or complex attachment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment function is achieved through a mechanical engagement system between the alignment module and bracket features, replacing the need for precision mechanical fastening or complex positioning structures. The engagement itself provides both alignment and securing functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If the emitter and receiver are placed in the electronic device without alignment features, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of dimensional information deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment feature complexityVSAvoiddimensional information accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment module serves multiple functions: it provides alignment references for the vision system, engages with the bracket assembly to secure positioning, and maintains the spatial relationship between components. This multi-functionality achieves precise measurement capability without adding separate alignment features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The solution ensures accurate three-dimensional object recognition without recalibration, even under external forces, by maintaining module alignment and preventing unwanted movement, thus enhancing the functionality of the vision system.

Implementation Method 1

The spring elements may be designed to flexibly support the bracket assembly in the enclosure such that the spring elements allow the bracket assembly to move in the enclosure until the vision system is aligned with the alignment module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

compression forces provided by the transparent cover and the enclosure to the bracket assembly maintain the bracket assembly fixed in the internal volume

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS20250327660A1Electronic device having a vision system assembly held by a self-aligning bracket assembly

Publication Date: 2025.10.23 APPLE INC

AI summary

An electronic device that includes a vision system carried by a bracket assembly is disclosed. The vision system may include a first camera module that captures an image of an object, a light emitting element that emits light rays toward the object, and a second camera module that receives light rays reflected from the object. The light rays may include infrared light rays. The bracket assembly is designed not only carry the aforementioned modules, but to also maintain a predetermined and fixed separation between the modules. The bracket assembly may form a rigid, multi-piece bracket assembly to prevent bending, thereby maintaining the predetermined separation. The electronic device may include a transparent cover designed to couple with a housing. The transparent cover incudes an alignment module designed to engage a module and provide a moving force that aligns the bracket assembly and the modules to a desired location in the housing.