Vision System Camera Mount for Multiple Lens Types
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vision system cameras face challenges in adapting their physical packages to various tasks due to the need for different lens types, such as C-mount, M12, M16, and liquid lenses, which requires costly changes to the housing and complicates the interchangeability of lenses with precise placement and electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
A vision system housing with a front plate assembly that accommodates multiple lens types, including M12, M16, and C-Mount, using a stepped aperture for threaded mounting and a spring clip arrangement for liquid lenses, allowing for interchangeable lenses with electrical control through a multi-pin socket, enabling easy attachment and detachment without compromising image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lens types (C-mount, M12, M16, liquid lens) are supported by providing separate purpose-built mounts, then lens compatibility and versatility are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The front plate assembly is designed with a universal mounting interface that can accommodate multiple lens types (C-mount, M12, M16, and liquid lenses) through a single standardized structure. The front plate includes a mounting flange with threaded holes and a central aperture that can receive different lens bases, eliminating the need for separate purpose-built mounts for each lens type.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is segmented into modular components: the front plate assembly with mounting flange, the lens bases with corresponding mounting threads, and the spring clip arrangement. This segmentation allows different lens types to be attached to the same front plate through standardized interfaces, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise placement and spacing of optical components is required for standard lens mounts, then image quality is improved, but ease of manufacture and interchangeability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The front plate assembly is pre-configured with a mounting flange at a specific distance from the image sensor plane, establishing the correct optical path length before lenses are attached. The threaded holes and central aperture are pre-positioned to ensure precise optical component placement, allowing lenses to be interchangeably mounted without requiring precise repositioning each time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrically operated components (variable-optics, mechanical focus, liquid lenses) are integrated, then functionality and adaptability are improved, but device complexity and connection requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The front plate assembly serves as an intermediary structure that integrates both mechanical mounting (through the mounting flange and threaded holes) and electrical connection capabilities (through the multi-pin socket). This intermediary structure allows electrically operated lenses to be connected to the vision system processor without requiring separate connection mechanisms, simplifying the overall system architecture.
4Ease of operation
If interchangeable lens design is implemented, then ease of operation and maintenance are improved, but precision of optical alignment and image quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The front plate assembly provides localized precision features (threaded holes with specific pitch and depth, central aperture positioning) that ensure accurate optical alignment when lenses are attached. The spring clip arrangement provides localized mechanical retention that maintains precise lens positioning during operation, allowing easy interchangeability without compromising alignment precision.
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 the use of multiple lens types within a single vision system housing without reducing image quality, simplifying installation and maintenance, and allowing for versatile applications without the need for purpose-built mounts, thus reducing costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
A spring assembly, illustratively comprising a pair of diametrically opposed, radially inwardly directed spring clips, each having a resilient body and retaining shoulders
Data Source
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AI summary
A vision system having a housing (1100) and an interchangeable lens module (1150) is provided. The module is adapted to seat on a C-mount ring (1114) provided on the front, mounting face (1112) of the housing. The module is attached via a plurality of fasteners (1154) that pass through a frame (1152) of the module and into the mounting face. The module includes a connector (1280) in a fixed location, which mates with a connector well (1130) on the mounting face to provide power and control to a driver board (1284) that operates a variable (e.g. liquid) lens (1286) within the optics of the lens module. The driver board is connected to the lens body by a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) (1288), which also allows for axial motion of the lens body with respect to the frame. This axial motion can be effected by an adjustment ring (1152) that can include an indexed/lockable, geared, outer surface.