Apple inc. (20240107166). SHOCK LIMITERS AND DAMPERS FOR IMPROVED CAMERA RELIABILITY simplified abstract

SHOCK LIMITERS AND DAMPERS FOR IMPROVED CAMERA RELIABILITY

Organization Name

apple inc.

Inventor(s)

Nitin Kumar Chennupati of Mountain View CA (US)

Nicholas D. Smyth of San Jose CA (US)

Hiran R. Rathnasinghe of Lemon Grove CA (US)

SHOCK LIMITERS AND DAMPERS FOR IMPROVED CAMERA RELIABILITY - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240107166 titled 'SHOCK LIMITERS AND DAMPERS FOR IMPROVED CAMERA RELIABILITY

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a camera system with a sensor assembly that can be displaced relative to the optomechanical assembly using a voice coil motor and a displacement limiter to prevent unintended movements.

• Camera system with sensor assembly displacement capability:

 * Camera enclosure
 * Optomechanical assembly fixedly coupled to the camera enclosure
 * Sensor assembly with image sensor and electronic component mounted on a substrate
 * Voice coil motor for displacing the sensor assembly
 * Displacement limiter to prevent unintended movements

Potential Applications

This technology could be used in:

• Autonomous vehicles for advanced camera control
• Robotics for precise sensor positioning

Problems Solved

• Preventing unintended movements of the sensor assembly
• Allowing for controlled displacement for improved image capture

Benefits

• Enhanced image quality
• Improved stability and accuracy in capturing images

Potential Commercial Applications

• Surveillance systems
• Medical imaging devices

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art could be camera systems with manual sensor adjustment mechanisms, which may not be as precise or efficient as the automated displacement system described in this patent application.

Unanswered Questions

How does the displacement limiter work to prevent unintended movements of the sensor assembly?

The displacement limiter could be a physical stop or a software-controlled mechanism that limits the range of movement of the sensor assembly.

What are the specific electronic components mounted on the substrate of the sensor assembly?

The electronic components could include processors, memory modules, or communication modules necessary for the operation of the sensor assembly.

Original Abstract Submitted

a camera including a camera enclosure; an optomechanical assembly fixedly coupled to the camera enclosure; a sensor assembly having an image sensor and an electronic component mounted to a substrate that is movably coupled to the camera enclosure; a voice coil motor having a base coupled to the optomechanical assembly and a carrier coupled to the sensor assembly that is operable to cause a displacement of the sensor assembly relative to the optomechanical assembly; and a displacement limiter coupled to the base or the carrier to limit an unintended displacement of the sensor assembly.