Waterproof Imaging Device Case Design for Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Waterproof imaging devices face limitations in size reduction due to existing structural constraints, which restrict the accommodation of substrates and lenses.
Innovation Solution
The imaging device design includes a first and second case with specific surface orientations that create a larger internal space for substrates by positioning the inner surface of the case more outwardly, allowing for a smaller device size while maintaining waterproof sealing between the cases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a waterproof seal is placed between the first case and the second case to achieve higher waterproofness, then the waterproofness is improved, but the device size cannot be reduced due to structural constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the waterproof seal from the traditional interface between first and second cases to the peripheral surface of the lens barrel. This spatial relocation allows the seal to function independently of the case stacking arrangement, enabling more flexible internal space utilization and contributing to device miniaturization while maintaining waterproof integrity
2Volume of stationary object
If the inner surface of the case is positioned more outward to create larger internal space for substrates, then the substrate accommodation space is improved, but the device complexity increases due to specific surface orientation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies specific surface orientation requirements only to the local region where the waterproof seal is positioned, rather than requiring complex orientations throughout the entire case structure. The first case has a first surface substantially perpendicular to the optical axis and a second surface substantially parallel to the optical axis, creating the necessary space while keeping the overall design manageable
3Reliability
If the waterproof seal is held in a waterproof-seal holding space formed by specific surfaces of the first and second cases, then the waterproof sealing is improved, but the device size cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the waterproof sealing function from the case-case interface and relocates it to the lens barrel periphery. This separation allows the cases to be positioned more efficiently for substrate accommodation while the waterproof seal independently protects the lens barrel interface, resolving the conflict between sealing effectiveness and compact dimensions
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device includes a first case, a second case joined to the first case, a substrate receiving an electronic component accommodated in an internal space defined by the first and second cases, a lens barrel holding a lens and supported by the first or second case, and a waterproof seal held in a waterproof-seal holding space between the first and second cases. The first case has a first surface substantially perpendicular to an optical axis, a second surface substantially parallel to the optical axis, and an inner surface meeting the first surface and extending in the optical axis direction. The first and second surfaces form the waterproof-seal holding space. The inner surface faces the substrate edge. The second case has a third surface substantially perpendicular to the optical axis and a fourth surface substantially parallel to the optical axis. The third and fourth surfaces form the waterproof-seal holding space.