阅读说明：本技术 可拆卸部件之间的电气连接 (Electrical connection between removable parts ) 是由 P·芬克尔 于 2019-07-25 设计创作，主要内容包括：在本公开的一个方面,公开了一种数字图像捕捉设备(DICD),其包括具有印刷电路板(PCB)的设备主体,和被配置用于可释放地连接至该设备主体的集成的传感器-镜头组件(ISLA)。该PCB限定了多个延伸穿过所述PCB的开孔,并且包括被固定定位于该开孔内的多个连接器针脚。该ISLA包括至少一个连接表面,其被配置用于与该连接器针脚相接触,以在该设备主体和ISLA之间建立电通信。(In one aspect of the disclosure, a Digital Image Capture Device (DICD) is disclosed that includes a device body having a Printed Circuit Board (PCB), and an integrated sensor-lens assembly (ISLA) configured for releasable connection to the device body. The PCB defines a plurality of apertures extending through the PCB and includes a plurality of connector pins fixedly positioned within the apertures. The ISLA includes at least one connection surface configured to contact the connector pins to establish electrical communication between the device body and the ISLA.)

1. A Digital Image Capture Device (DICD), comprising:

an apparatus body comprising a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) defining a plurality of apertures extending through the PCB, the PCB comprising a plurality of connector pins fixedly positioned within the apertures; and

an integrated sensor-lens assembly (ISLA) configured to releasably connect to the device body, the ISLA including at least one connection surface configured to contact the connector pins to establish electrical communication between the device body and the ISLA.

2. The digital image capture device of claim 1 wherein the connector pins each include a first end and an opposing second end, the first end defining a connection surface, the PCB including a first side facing outward away from the digital image capture device and an opposing second side facing inward toward the digital image capture device, the second ends of the connector pins mounted flush with respect to the first side of the PCB.

3. The digital image capture device of claim 1 wherein the PCB includes a first side facing outward away from the digital image capture device and an opposite second side facing inward toward the digital image capture device, the connector pins each including a flange configured for contact with the second side of the PCB, the flange defining a transverse cross-sectional dimension that is greater than a transverse cross-sectional dimension defined by the aperture.

4. The digital image capture device of any of the preceding claims further comprising a sealing member positioned around the connector pin.

5. The digital image capture device of claim 4 wherein the sealing member is resiliently reconfigurable between a first configuration and a second configuration when the ISLA and the device body are connected and disconnected, the connector pins being concealed by the sealing member in the first configuration and at least partially exposed from the sealing member in the second configuration.

6. The digital image capture device of claim 5 wherein the sealing member is configured to compress to at least partially expose the connector pins during movement from the first configuration to the second configuration and is configured to expand to conceal the connector pins during movement from the second configuration to the first configuration.

7. The digital image capture device of any of claims 4-6 wherein the sealing member includes a plurality of openings positioned to generally align with the connector pins such that the connector pins can extend through the sealing member during connection of the ISLA and the device body, thereby facilitating electrical communication between the device body and the ISLA.

8. The digital image capture device of claim 7 wherein the plurality of openings in the sealing member are biased closed.

9. The digital image capture device of claim 7 or 8 wherein the plurality of openings are each configured as slits.

10. The digital image capture device of any preceding claim, further comprising:

a power supply that supplies power to the apparatus main body;

a first converter supported by the apparatus body and in electrical communication with the power source, the first converter adapted such that power from the power source is input to the first converter at a first level and output from the first converter to the connector pins at a second level less than the first level;

a second translator supported by the ISLA, the second translator adapted such that power from the connector pins is input to the second translator at the second level and output from the second translator at a third level greater than the second level; and

a controller in communication with the first and second converters to selectively activate the first and second converters such that the digital image capture device is operable in a first mode in which the first and second converters are inactive and a second mode in which the first and second converters are active to vary power flowing from the power source to the ISLA through the connector pins.

11. The digital image capture device of claim 10 wherein the second converter is adapted such that the third level is greater than the second level.

12. The digital image capture device of claim 10 or 11 further comprising a sensor adapted to detect moisture near the connector pin.

13. The digital image capture device of claim 12 wherein the sensor is adapted to detect current flow between the connector pins.

14. The digital image capture device of claim 12 or 13, wherein the sensor is in communication with the controller to alternate operation of the digital image capture device between the first mode and the second mode.

15. A Digital Image Capture Device (DICD), comprising:

a device body including a first electrical contact in communication with a power source supported by the device body;

an integrated sensor-lens assembly (ISLA) configured for releasable connection to the device body, the ISLA including a second electrical contact configured to generally align with the first electrical contact to establish electrical communication between the device body and the ISLA, wherein one of the first and second electrical contacts includes a plurality of connector pins and the other of the first and second electrical contacts includes a connection surface; and

a sealing member positioned around the connector pin, the sealing member comprising a resiliently compressible material such that the sealing member is reconfigurable between a first configuration in which the connector pin is concealed by the sealing member and a second configuration in which the connector pin is at least partially exposed from the sealing member when the ISLA and the device body are connected and disconnected.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to establishing an electrical connection between removable components. For example, in one implementation, the present disclosure relates to establishing an electrical connection between a Digital Image Capture Device (DICD) and one or more removable integrated sensor-lens assemblies (ISLAs).

Background

DICD is used in a variety of applications including, for example, hand-held cameras and video recorders, drones, and vehicles. DICDs typically include one or more optical elements (e.g., lenses) and one or more image sensors. The optical element(s) capture content by receiving and focusing light, and the captured content is converted to an electronic signal by an image sensor. The signals generated by the image sensor are then processed by an image signal processor to form an image. In some DICDs, the optical element(s) and the image sensor(s) are incorporated into a single unit called an integrated sensor-lens assembly (ISLA).

A prerequisite for the removability of the ISLA and the interchangeability between different ISLAs is to establish an easy and reliable electrical connection with the DICD. However, repeated connection and disconnection of the ISLA can result in damage to the electrical connectors, which are typically surface mounted to a supporting substrate such as a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). For example, such damage may occur due to shear (lateral) forces experienced during repeated connection and disconnection of the ISLA, which eventually degrades the connection between the connector pins and the substrate over time and results in compromised or lost connectivity.

In addition, the DICD and/or the ISLA(s) may be exposed over time to environmental or incidental moisture, dirt, debris, etc., including, for example, rain, salt water, sweat, grit and dust, which may cause corrosion of the electrical contacts, thereby impeding (or completely blocking) connectivity between the DICD and the ISLA(s).

To address these issues, the present disclosure describes various structures and methods for protecting and maintaining electrical connectivity between DICD and one or more ISLAs, as well as reducing (or preventing) electrical contact corrosion.

Disclosure of Invention

In one aspect of the disclosure, a Digital Image Capture Device (DICD) is disclosed that includes a device body and an integrated sensor-lens assembly (ISLA) configured for releasable connection to the device body. The device body includes a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) defining a plurality of apertures extending through the PCB and a plurality of connector pins fixedly positioned within the apertures. The ISLA includes at least one connection surface configured to contact the connector pins to establish electrical communication between the device body and the ISLA.

In certain embodiments, the connector pins may each include a first end and an opposing second end, the first end defining a first connection surface, and the PCB may include a first side facing laterally away from the DICD and an opposing second side facing medially toward the DICD. In such embodiments, the second end of the connector pin may be flush mounted with respect to the first side of the PCB. Alternatively, the connector pins may each include a flange configured to contact the second side of the PCB, wherein the flange defines a transverse cross-sectional dimension that is greater than a transverse cross-sectional dimension defined by the aperture. In certain embodiments, the DICD may further include a sealing member positioned around the connector pin. In certain embodiments, the sealing member may comprise a hydrophobic material. In certain embodiments, the sealing member may comprise a compressible material. In some embodiments, the sealing member may be capable of being resiliently reconfigured between a first configuration in which the connector pins are concealed by the sealing member and a second configuration in which the connector pins are at least partially exposed from the sealing member. In certain embodiments, the sealing member may be configured to compress during movement from the first configuration to the second configuration to at least partially expose the connector pin and to expand during movement from the second configuration to the first configuration to conceal the connector pin. In certain embodiments, the sealing member may include a plurality of openings positioned to generally align with the connector pins such that the connector pins can extend through the sealing member during connection of the ISLA and device body to facilitate electrical communication between the device body and the ISLA. In some embodiments, the opening in the sealing member may be configured as a slit, which may be biased closed. In some embodiments, the DICD may further include: a power supply that supplies power to the apparatus main body; a first transducer supported by the device body in electrical communication with the power source; a second transducer supported by the ISLA; and a controller in communication with the first and second transducers. The first converter is adapted such that power from the power source is input to the first converter at a first level and output from the first converter to the connector pin at a second level that is less than the first level, and the second converter is adapted such that power from the connector pin is input to the second converter at the second level and output from the second converter at a third level that is greater than the second level. The controller selectively activates the first and second transducers to enable the DICD to operate in a first mode in which the first and second transducers are inactive and a second mode in which the first and second transducers are active to vary power flowing from the power source to the ISLA through the connector pins. In some embodiments, the second converter may be adapted such that the third level is greater than (or equal to) the second level. In certain embodiments, the DICD may further include sensors adapted to detect moisture near (e.g., adjacent to, proximate to, or in contact with) the connector pins and/or to detect current flow between connector pins. In certain embodiments, the sensor may be in communication with the controller to alternate operation of the DICD between the first and second modes. It is contemplated that the DICD described above may include any combination of the features and elements described in this paragraph.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a DICD is disclosed, which includes a device body; an ISLA configured for releasable connection to the device body; and a sealing member. The device body includes a first electrical contact in communication with a power source supported by the device body, and the ISLA includes a second electrical contact configured and positioned to generally mate in alignment with the first electrical contact to establish electrical communication between the device body and the ISLA. In certain embodiments, one of the first and second electrical contacts may include a plurality of connector pins and the other of the first and second electrical contacts may include a connecting surface. The sealing member is positioned around the connector pin and comprises a resiliently compressible material such that the sealing member is reconfigurable between first and second configurations when the ISLA and device body are connected and disconnected. In the first configuration, the connector pins are concealed by the sealing member, and in the second configuration, the connector pins are at least partially exposed from the sealing member.

In certain embodiments, the sealing member may be configured to compress during movement from the first configuration to the second configuration to at least partially expose the connector pin and to expand during movement from the second configuration to the first configuration to conceal the connector pin. In certain embodiments, the sealing member may include openings generally aligned with the connector pins such that the connector pins can extend through the sealing member during connection of the ISLA and device body, thereby facilitating electrical communication between the first and second electrical contacts. In certain embodiments, the opening in the sealing member is biased closed by a resiliently compressible material such that water and/or debris is expelled during expansion of the sealing member from the second configuration to the first configuration. In some embodiments, the DICD may further include: a first converter in communication with a power source supported by the apparatus body; a second transducer supported by the ISLA; and a controller in communication with the first and second transducers. The first converter is adapted such that power from the power source is input to the first converter at a first level and output from the first converter at a second level that is less than the first level, and the second converter is adapted to receive power at the second level and output power at a third level that is greater than the second level. The controller is adapted to selectively activate the first and second transducers to enable the DICD to operate in a first mode in which the first and second transducers are inactive and a second mode in which the first and second transducers are active to vary power flowing from the power source to the ISLA through the first and second electrical contacts. In certain embodiments, the DICD may further include sensors adapted to detect moisture near the connector pins and/or detect current flow between connector pins. The sensor may also be in communication with the controller to alternate operation of the DICD between the first and second modes. It is contemplated that the DICDs described above may include any combination of the features and elements described in this paragraph.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a DICD is disclosed, which includes a device body; a Direct Current (DC) power supply supported by the apparatus body; a commutation circuit in communication with the power source to commutate direct current from the power source to Alternating Current (AC); an ISLA configured for releasable connection to the device body; and a de-commutation circuit in electrical communication with a second electrical contact on the ISLA to return the alternating current to direct current. The device body includes a first electrical contact having a plurality of connector pins, and the power source is in electrical communication with the connector pins. The ISLA includes a second electrical contact configured to contact the connector pin such that alternating current is carried from the device body to the ISLA after commutation. It is contemplated that the DICDs described above may include any combination of the features and elements described in this paragraph.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a rear view of a handheld device shown in conjunction with an exemplary DICD;

fig. 2 is an aerial view of a DICD with an exemplary unmanned aerial vehicle;

fig. 3A is a partial sectional view of a DICD with an embodiment of a removable ISLA prior to connection of the DICD and the ISLA;

fig. 3B illustrates one embodiment of a connector pin for use in establishing an electrical connection between DICD and ISLA;

fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of additional components of the DICD;

fig. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of DICD with an alternative embodiment of a removable ISLA;

fig. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the DICD embodiment seen in fig. 3A with an alternative embodiment of a detachable ISLA;

fig. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the DICD seen in fig. 3A, along with another embodiment of a detachable ISLA;

fig. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the DICD visible in fig. 3A;

fig. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the DICD and ISLA seen in fig. 3A after the DICD and ISLA are connected;

fig. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the DICD and ISLA seen in fig. 3A with one embodiment of a sealing member attached, prior to the connection of the DICD and ISLA;

fig. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of the DICD, the ISLA and the sealing member seen in fig. 10 after the DICD and the ISLA are connected;

fig. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the DICD, the ISLA and the sealing member seen in fig. 10, shown in a different orientation prior to connection of the DICD and the ISLA with the sealing member;

FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present disclosure including a converter system for use in mitigating corrosion; and

FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present disclosure including a commutation and de-commutation circuit for use in mitigating corrosion; and

fig. 15 is a partial sectional view of the DICD seen in fig. 14 illustrating the flow of current between electrical contacts.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure describes a structure and method for protecting and maintaining electrical connectivity between detachable components and reducing (or preventing) corrosion of electrical contacts (e.g., connector pins) in the presence of water, moisture, and/or debris. Throughout this disclosure, the use of the terms "water" and "moisture" should be understood to include any and all environments and/or incidental humidity (e.g., rain, salt water, sweat, and/or humidity) that may cause corrosion of electrical contacts.

By way of illustration, the structures and methods described herein are discussed in the context of Digital Image Capture Devices (DICDs) and interchangeable integrated sensor-lens assemblies (ISLAs). However, it should be appreciated that the principles of the present disclosure may be applied to any system or platform that includes an electrically connected and/or disconnectable power source, such as a battery and a battery extension, as examples.

In one aspect, the present disclosure describes embedding the connector pins into a supporting substrate (e.g., PCB) such that any applied forces (e.g., shear or lateral) are absorbed and resisted by the substrate itself rather than the connection between the connector pins and the substrate, thus extending the life of the connector pins and preserving electrical connectivity. To further preserve electrical connectivity, the present disclosure also describes various structures and methods useful in reducing (or eliminating) energy flow between adjacent electrical contacts, including, for example, incorporating elastically compressible seals and/or hydrophobic materials that eliminate the intrusion of water/moisture (and/or debris) and inhibit (or completely prevent) the formation of conductive pathways that could otherwise lead to corrosion and compromise (destroy) electrical connectivity between components. To further mitigate (or prevent) corrosion, the present disclosure also describes the incorporation of a buck-to-boost (buck-boost) converter system that reduces the power delivered between the electrical contacts, and a commutation circuit and a de-commutation circuit that varies the power between direct current and alternating current to reduce the effective voltage across the electrical contacts.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, an example DICD 10 is illustrated for use in capturing digital data, including, for example, images, video, and audio. The principles of the present disclosure may find wide applicability where the DICD 10 may be utilized in a variety of applications. For example, the DICD 10 may be incorporated into or used with a handheld device 1000 (fig. 1), or may be incorporated into or used with a vehicle (e.g., an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)2000, car, or bicycle, as seen in fig. 2). The DICD 10 may also be configured for use in conjunction with a wearable support (not shown), such as a vest, glove, helmet, or hat, or may simply be carried by the user.

Referring also to fig. 3A, 3B and 4, DICD 10 includes a device body 12 and an ISLA 14 configured for releasable connection to DICD 10. To improve the quality of images and/or video, in certain embodiments, the DICD 10 may also include one or more gimbal systems 16 (fig. 1, 2) to stabilize the DICD 10 during image and/or video capture by counteracting movement of the DICD 10. To facilitate the various functions of the DICD 10, the DICD 10 includes various support components, such as, for example, an audio component 18 (fig. 4), a User Interface (UI) unit 20, an input/output (I/O) unit 22, a power supply 24, a controller 26, a processor 28, an electronic storage unit 30, a communication unit 32, a metadata unit 34, an optics unit 36, and/or an encoder 38.

The ISLA 14 includes one or more optical elements 40 (fig. 1), such as, by way of example, one or more lenses 42. In certain embodiments, the ISLA 14 also includes an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)44 (FIG. 3A) and a sensor 46, suitable examples of which include a charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor, an Active Pixel Sensor (APS), a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor, an N-type metal-oxide semiconductor (NMOS) sensor, and/or any other image sensor or combination of image sensors.

The optical element(s) 40 (fig. 1) have associated fields of view that extend in the lateral and longitudinal directions. For example, the field of view may extend 90 ° in the lateral direction and 120 ° in the longitudinal direction. However, it should be appreciated that the capabilities of the particular optical element(s) 40 employed in the DICD 10 may vary in alternative embodiments to increase or decrease the transverse and/or longitudinal field of view. Suitable optical element(s) 40 may include one or more macro lenses, zoom lenses, special purpose lenses, telephoto lenses, fixed focus lenses, achromatic lenses, apochromatic lenses, dichroic lenses (process lenses), wide-angle lenses, super-wide-angle lenses, fisheye lenses, infrared lenses, ultraviolet lenses, and view angle control lenses. In certain embodiments of DICD 10, multiple overlapping fields of view may be employed to enhance the capability of DICD 10, such as by using two or more optical elements. For example, first optical element 40 may be used to capture a first fisheye image (e.g., a circular or elliptical image), which may be transformed into a first rectangular image; and the second optical element 40 may be used to capture a second fisheye image (e.g., a circular or elliptical image), which may be transformed into a second rectangular image. The first and second rectangular images may then be arranged side by side to form an overlapping portion, which may be stitched together to form a single planar image.

To facilitate electrical communication between the DICD 10 and the ISLA 14, and thus connection and disconnection of the ISLA 14 and the DICD 10, the DICD 10 and the ISLA 14 include PCB assemblies 48, 50 (fig. 3A) having corresponding electrical contacts 52, 54, respectively. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the electrical contacts 52 provided on the DICD 10 include a plurality of connector pins 56, and the electrical contacts 54 provided on the ISLA 14 include one or more connection surfaces 58, the connection surfaces 58 being configured and positioned to contact the connector pins 56. However, it should be appreciated that in an alternative embodiment, as shown in fig. 5, connector pins 56 may be provided on the ISLA 14 and connection surface(s) 58 may be provided on the DICD 10 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, embodiments are also contemplated herein in which the connection surface(s) 58 are supplemented with or replaced by one or more connector pins 56 (i.e., such that the electrical contacts 52, 54 include corresponding connector pins 56 positioned for contact), as shown in fig. 6.

Referring to fig. 3, a PCB assembly 50 provided on the ISLA 14 includes a pair of layered PCBs 60A, 60B spaced apart to define an interior space 62 configured to house various support structures and/or circuitry. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the interior space 62 receives a Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC)64 and a cable 66 (which may support various electrical functions), as well as one or more dampers 68 adapted to prevent moisture/debris from invading and/or absorb forces and shocks that the ISLA 10 may be subjected to during use. The cross-sectional configuration of the damper(s) 68 may be generally annular (e.g., circular ring) and may include any suitable material (e.g., may be formed from) such as, by way of example, polycarbonate, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thermoplastic elastomer, silicone, rubber(s), and polymer(s). It is contemplated that damper 68 may be formed by any suitable manufacturing process, such as, for example, injection molding and/or coating.

The particular material(s) used in the construction of the damper 68 may vary, for example, depending on the particular intended use of the DICD 10 or the amount of damping that may be required. For example, the damper 68 may be designed to eliminate all frequencies above a particular threshold (e.g., 1 kHz). In situations or environments where the ISLA 14 may be subjected to higher forces and/or frequencies, the damper 68 may comprise (e.g., may be formed of) a stiffer material(s) having a higher stiffness in the range of about 80D to about 100D. However, in situations or environments where the ISLA 14 may be subjected to lower forces and/or frequencies, the damper 68 may include (e.g., may be formed of) softer material(s) having a lower durometer in the range of about 10D to about 20D.

The PCBs 60A, 60B are connected to each other by fasteners 70. In one embodiment, it is contemplated that fastener 70 may be configured to allow PCB 60A to be disconnected from PCB 60B. For example, as seen in fig. 3A, the fastener 70 may include a threaded base 72 and a threaded shaft 74 insertable into the threaded base 72. By allowing the PCBs 60A, 60B to be disconnected, various components of the ISLA 14 (e.g., damper(s) 68, FPC 64, and/or cable 66) may be removed to, for example, allow for repair and/or replacement.

The connection surface(s) 58 on the ISLA 14 comprise (e.g., are formed partially or entirely of) a conductive material, such as gold, as an example. In certain embodiments, it is contemplated that the conductive material may be applied to a base material (either conductive or non-conductive in nature), whereby the conductive material forms a coating thereon. However, in other embodiments, it is contemplated that the connecting surface(s) 58 may be formed entirely of the conductive material. The connection surface(s) 58 may be embedded within the PCB 60A, as shown in fig. 3A, or alternatively the connection surface(s) 58 may be surface mounted to the PCB 60A. In the embodiment seen in fig. 3A, the ISLA 14 includes a plurality of discrete connection surfaces 58 corresponding in number, configuration and location to the connector pins 56 provided on the DICD 10. However, in alternative embodiments, the particular number, configuration, and/or location of the connection surfaces 58 may vary. For example, the ISLA 14 may include a single connection surface 58 configured and positioned to contact each connector pin 56, as seen in fig. 7.

With continued reference to fig. 3A, the PCB assembly 48 provided on the DICD 10 will be discussed. The PCB assembly 48 may be connected to the DICD 10 in any suitable manner and at any suitable location, by way of example, to the device body 12 (fig. 1) of the DICD 10. The PCB assembly 48 includes a pair of layered PCBs 76A, 76B that are spaced apart to define an interior space 78. As discussed above in connection with the ISLA 14, the interior space 78 is configured to accommodate various support structures and/or circuitry (e.g., the FPC 80, the cable 82, and the one or more dampers 68), and the PCBs 76A, 76B are connected by fasteners 70, which allow the PCB 76A to be disconnected from the PCB 76B to allow removal and/or replacement of various components of the DICD 10 (e.g., the damper(s) 68, the FPC 80, and/or the cable 86).

As seen in fig. 3, the PCB 76A supports the connector pins 56 and includes first and second opposing sides 84 and 86, respectively. More specifically, first side 84 of PCB 76A faces outward (i.e., toward ISLA 14) and second side 86 faces inward (i.e., away from ISLA 14). Each connector pin 56 includes a first end 88 defining a connection surface 90 and an opposite second end 92, the second end 92 defining a flange 94 in the illustrated embodiment. It is contemplated that the connector pins 56 may be surface mounted to the PCB 76A such that the second ends of the connector pins 56 extend from the first side 84 of the PCB 76A. In such embodiments, it is contemplated that the second ends 92 of the connector pins 56 may be flush-mounted to the PCB 76A, as seen in fig. 3A. Alternatively, as seen in fig. 8, it is contemplated that the connector pins 56 may be positioned within apertures 96 extending through the PCB 76A (e.g., passing from the first side 84 to the second side 86), the apertures 96 may be formed by any suitable manufacturing method (e.g., drilling). In such embodiments, it is contemplated that the connector pins 56 may be secured within the apertures 96 in any suitable manner. For example, the connector pins 56 may be adhesively secured within the apertures 96 or soldered in place within the apertures 96 and/or where the connector pins 56 meet the opposing sides 84, 86 of the PCB 76A, thereby maintaining the position of the connector pins 56 in the event of a contact failure with the PCB 76A. Additionally or alternatively, it is contemplated that the connector pins 56 may be positioned within the apertures 96 with an interference fit.

In the embodiment seen in fig. 8, each connector pin 56 is back mounted and inserted into one of the openings 96 during assembly of the PCB 76A and the connector pins 56. More specifically, the connector pins 56 are inserted through the second side 86 of the PCB 76A in the direction indicated by arrow 1 and advanced toward the first side 84 until the flange 94 engages the second side 86. As seen in fig. 8, each flange 94 defines a transverse cross-sectional dimension (e.g., width) that is greater than a transverse cross-sectional dimension (e.g., diameter) defined by the aperture 96, for example, to facilitate assembly and/or to create additional surface area for contact with the PCB 76A.

Securing the connector pins 56 within the apertures 96 allows for increased resistance to lateral (e.g., shear) forces (and tolerances thereof) that may be applied during connection and disconnection of the ISLA 14 and DICD 10, as well as torsional stability compared to surface mounted embodiments. More specifically, by securing the connector pins 56 within the apertures 96, the applied lateral forces may be absorbed and resisted by the PCB 76A rather than the connection (e.g., adhesive and/or solder) between the connector pins 56 and the PCB 76A, which may allow for longer connector pins 56 to be used in certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring now to fig. 3A, 3B and 9, each connector pin 56 includes an inner member 98, an outer member 100 and a biasing member 102 (e.g., a spring 104) and is reconfigurable between a first (normal) configuration (fig. 3A) in which the connector pin 56 defines a first height H1 and a second (compressed) configuration (fig. 9) in which the connector pin 56 defines a second height H2 that is less than the first height H1. The connector pins 56 move from the first configuration to the second configuration when DICD 10 and ISLA 14 are connected, which compresses the biasing member 102 to create (or increase) a biasing force directed outwardly (i.e., toward ISLA 14), and returns to the first configuration via the biasing force in the biasing member 102 when DICD 10 and ISLA 14 are disconnected.

The inner and outer members 98, 100 include corresponding angled surfaces 106, 108, respectively, that are configured to engage in a first configuration (fig. 3A) to maintain assembly of the connector pins 56. Although the angled surfaces 106, 108 are illustrated as extending at an angle of approximately 45 ° with respect to the central axis Y of the connector pin 56, it should be appreciated that the particular configuration of the angled surfaces 106, 108 may vary in alternative embodiments of the present disclosure. Accordingly, embodiments in which the angled surfaces 106, 108 extend at angles greater than or less than 45 ° would not be outside the scope of the present disclosure.

The inner member 98 of each connector pin 56 defines a connection surface 90 that includes (e.g., is partially or completely formed of) a conductive material, such as gold, by way of example. As discussed above in connection with ISLA 14, the conductive material may be applied to the base material as a coating, or the connecting surface 90 may be formed entirely of the conductive material. Upon DICD 10 and ISLA 14 connection, the connection surface 90 on the connector pin 56 contacts the connection surface(s) 58 on DICD 10 to facilitate communication of electrical signals (e.g., data, power, command/control signals, image sensor data, and/or identification information) between DICD 10 and ISLA 14 (e.g., between FPCs 64, 80 and/or cables 66, 82). When a particular ISLA 14 is connected, for example, the ISLA 14 may transmit an identification signal to the DICD 10 (e.g., to the controller 26) to enable the DICD 10 to calibrate and adapt to the ISLA 14.

Although shown and described throughout this disclosure in the form of connector pins 56, it should be appreciated that the specific configuration of the electrical contacts 52 (or the electrical contacts 54) may vary in alternative embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, in alternative embodiments, it is contemplated that the connector pins 56 may be replaced with one or more USB style connectors.

As noted above, the present disclosure contemplates and provides interchangeability between ISLAs 14, the selection of which ISLAs 14 may depend on the particular intended use of the DICD 10. For example, when the DICD 10 is to be used in a wet environment (e.g., underwater, rain, or wet), the user may choose to connect to one of the ISLAs 14, while in a dry environment, the user may choose to connect to another of the ISLAs 14. Upon selection of a particular ISLA 14, that ISLA 14 is connected to the DICD 10, which results in compression of the connector pins 56 and establishment of electrical communication between the ISLA 14 and the DICD 10. The connection between DICD 10 and ISLA 14 may be maintained by any suitable structure(s) or mechanism(s). For example, as seen in fig. 3A and 9, the ISLA 14 and the DICD 10 may each include a corresponding locking member 110, 112 configured for releasable engagement. Although shown in the illustrated embodiment as a locking arm 114 and a recess 116 configured to receive the locking arm 114, it should be appreciated that the locking members 110, 112 may include any structure(s), mechanism(s), or combination thereof (e.g., mechanical interlocks, detents, and/or latches that are engageable in a snap-fit relationship, interference fit, etc.) suitable for the intended purpose of releasably connecting the ISLA 14 and the DICD 10.

When interchange between ISLAs 14 is desired, the user may disengage locking members 110, 112 and disconnect ISLAs 14. When the ISLA 14 is disconnected and detached from the DCID 10, the connector pins 56 return to the first (normal) configuration seen in fig. 3 through the biasing members 102. The above-connected connection process may be repeated with different ISLAs 14, if necessary or desired.

Referring now to fig. 10 and 11, as discussed above, during use of the ISLA 14 and DICD 10 in wet and/or underwater environments, the accumulation or presence of water or other such moisture over time may cause (or prematurely) corrosion via the formation of a continuous electrical path between adjacent connector pins 56 (i.e., such that one connector pin 56 acts as a cathode and the other connector pin 56 acts as an anode). In addition, the presence of debris (such as, by way of example, grit, dirt, or dust) may cause performance and connectivity to degrade over time, thereby shortening the life of the product. To address these issues, it is contemplated that the DICD 10 may include a sealing member 118 configured to protect the connector pins 56 by inhibiting (or completely preventing) the collection of water/moisture around the connector pins 56 and/or the ingress of debris.

The sealing member 118 may be formed from any suitable resiliently compressible material, such as, by way of example, closed cell silicon foam, and may be formed by any suitable manufacturing process (e.g., cutting and/or stamping). The sealing member 118 is connected to the PCB 76A and may be secured thereto in any suitable manner. For example, as shown in fig. 10 and 11, the sealing member 118 may be attached to the PCB 76A by using a mechanical connector (e.g., fastener 70), and/or by using one or more adhesives.

The sealing member 118 is configured and positioned to sealingly engage the connector pins 56 without interfering with electrical conductivity between the DICD 10 and the ISLA 14 at the time of connection. More specifically, the seal member 118 includes one or more openings 120 (fig. 10) that are positioned generally in alignment with the connector pins 56 and allow the connector pins 56 to extend through the seal member 118 and contact the connection surface(s) 58 on the ISLA. Although illustrated as slits 122 in the embodiment seen in fig. 10, it is contemplated that the particular example of resulting opening(s) 120 may vary in alternative embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the opening(s) 120 may alternatively be configured as apertures, which may assume any suitable geometric configuration (e.g., circular or elliptical, as examples). The opening(s) 120 in the sealing member 118 may be formed in any suitable manner, such as by cutting. In one particular approach, it is contemplated that the opening(s) 120 may be formed using a heated tool, such as a cutter, probe, or other such instrument, to form a smooth edge around the opening(s) 120.

In the illustrated embodiment, the slit 122 is normally closed (e.g., by the resilient material comprising the sealing member 118) to inhibit (or completely prevent) water/moisture and/or debris from coming into contact with (or collecting around) the connector pins 56 prior to connection of the ISLA 14 and the DICD 10. However, when the DICD 10 and the ISLA 14 are connected, the sealing member 118 moves from a first (non-compressed) configuration (fig. 10) in which the connector pins 56 are concealed within the sealing member 118 to a second (compressed) configuration (fig. 11) in which the connector pins 56 are at least partially exposed from the sealing member 118. More specifically, as the sealing member 118 is compressed, the opening(s) 120 are forced open by the connector pin 56, which allows the connection surface 90 on the inner member 98 to extend beyond the sealing member 118, as seen in fig. 11, and contact the connection surface(s) 58 on the ISLA 14, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the DICD 10 and the ISLA 14 in the manner discussed above. Upon disconnection of the DICD 10 and the ISLA 14, the sealing member 118 is allowed to expand, during which expansion the inner surface of the sealing member 118 defined by the opening(s) 120 may traverse the outer surface of the connector pin 56 to displace, expel or otherwise remove water/moisture (e.g., sweat) and/or debris from the connector pin 56.

Although discussed in relation to DICD 10, in an alternative configuration, sealing member 118 may be associated with ISLA 14, as seen in fig. 12. In such embodiments, the connector pins 56 are inserted into the opening(s) 120 (e.g., the slot(s) 122) formed in the sealing member 118 when the ISLA 14 and the DICD 10 are connected. The opening(s) 120 are thus forced open to allow contact between the connection surface 90 on the connector pin 56 and the connection surface(s) 58 on the ISLA 14 to establish electrical connectivity, during which the sealing member 118 transfers/removes water/moisture and/or debris from the connector pin 56.

To further inhibit water/moisture ingress, the DICD 10 (and/or the ISLA 14) may include one or more fluid-resistant or hydrophobic materials (e.g., rubber or polymer material (s)). For example, such material(s) may be incorporated into the sealing member 118 during manufacturing, or may be applied to the sealing member 118 as a coating. Additionally or alternatively, it is contemplated that a hydrophobic coating may be applied to the connector pins 56 and/or the PCBs 76A, 76B (and any other suitable components) to prevent water/moisture from collecting or accumulating in a manner that would form an electrical path between adjacent pins 56, thereby mitigating corrosion (as discussed in further detail below). For example, the sealing member 118 and/or the hydrophobic coating may cause water/moisture to bead up and thereby prevent the formation of a continuous electrical path.

Referring now to fig. 13 and 14, an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure will be discussed that includes various additional components configured to mitigate corrosion of electrical contacts. When an electrical contact, such as the connector pin 56, is in contact with an electrolytic solution (e.g., water/moisture) and oppositely polarized with sufficient voltage, corrosion may occur, the rate of which decreases with the voltage potential.

Fig. 13 illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a converter system 124 configured to vary the voltage/current of the power supply from DICD 10 across the connector pin 56. The converter system 124 includes a first converter 126 (e.g., a buck converter) associated with the DICD 10 configured to reduce the voltage across the connector pin 56 (e.g., on the supply side), and a second converter 128 (e.g., a boost converter) associated with the ISLA 14 configured to restore (or increase) the voltage (i.e., on the load side). While shown as being located on the PCB assemblies 48, 50, respectively, it should be appreciated that the particular locations of the transducers 124, 126 may vary in alternative embodiments of the present disclosure.

During use of the DICD 10 and the ISLA 14, the first converter 126 reduces the voltage/current from the power source 24 before it reaches the connector pins 56 (i.e., the power is reduced from an initial level to a subsequent converted level). By reducing the voltage/current to the connector pins 56, corrosion due to power flow between adjacent connector pins 56 may be reduced, slowed, or prevented altogether. After flowing through the connector pins 56 to the connection surface(s) 58 on the ISLA 14, the converted voltage/current is received by the second converter 128, which second converter 128 increases the power of the signal (e.g., the voltage/current is returned to an initial level or other such suitable or requisite measure) before it reaches the circuitry (e.g., the FPC 64 and/or the cable 66) of the ISLA 14. The converters 124, 126 thus allow for a reduction in power across the connector pin 56 without effecting an effective drop in voltage/current between the power supply 24 and the circuitry of the ISLA 14, which has a significant negative impact on the operation of the DICD 10 and the ISLA 14.

Due to incidental heating of the DICD 10, the ISLA 14, and/or the converters 124, 126, water/moisture (e.g., sweat) may naturally evaporate during operation, thereby breaking the electrical path established by such water/moisture between adjacent connector pins 56 and avoiding the need to use the converters 124, 126 to manipulate voltage. In certain embodiments, to facilitate evaporation, it is contemplated that such incidental heat may be conducted to the connector pins 56 and/or the connection surface(s) 58 on the ISLA 14. Additionally or alternatively, as seen in fig. 13, one or more heating elements 130 may be provided to increase the rate at which evaporation occurs and thereby reduce any mandatory need to operate the converters 124, 126 to improve the overall efficiency of the system. Although shown in fig. 13 as being associated with DICD 10, it should be appreciated that the heating element 130 may be located in any suitable location, and thus the particular location of the heating element 130 may vary in alternative embodiments of the present disclosure.

To monitor and address evaporation, the DICD 10 may include one or more bypass sensors 132 (e.g., circuitry, etc.) in communication with the connector pins 56 and/or the connection surface(s) 58. In such embodiments, the sensor(s) 132 may be configured to detect the presence of water/moisture near (e.g., adjacent to, proximate to, or in contact with) the connector pins 56 (and/or the connection surfaces 58) and/or detect the presence of electrical current between the connector pins 56 (and/or the connection surfaces 58). Although shown as being located on the PCBs 60A, 76A in the embodiment seen in fig. 13, as with the heating element 130, it should be appreciated that the bypass sensor(s) 132 may be located at any suitable location, and the particular location of the bypass sensor(s) 132 may thus vary in alternative embodiments of the present disclosure.

When the presence of water/moisture (and/or electrical current) between the connector pins 56 and/or the connection surface(s) 58 is detected, the bypass sensor(s) 132 may transmit a signal (e.g., to the controller 26 (fig. 4)) to transition operation from a normal (bypass) mode in which the transducers 124, 126 are inactive to an alternating mode in which the transducers 124, 126 are active, thereby changing the voltage across the DICD 10 and the ISLA 14 in the manner discussed above. Based on the information identified by the bypass sensor(s) 132, the voltage/current may thus bypass the converters 124, 126 and flow directly from the power source 24 through the connector pins 56 and the connection surface(s) 58 to the circuitry in the ISLA 14, or the voltage/current may be directed through the converters 124, 126.

Once the conductive path is broken (e.g., once the water/moisture is sufficiently evaporated), an increase in resistance between the connector pins 56 (and/or the connection surface (s)) may be detected, such as by the bypass sensor(s) 132 or by circuitry in the power supply 24, as examples. Upon such detection, operation of the DICD 10 may return to the normal mode in which the voltage/current bypass converters 124, 126, thereby restoring normal performance of operation.

Referring now to fig. 14 and 15, when the electrical contacts, such as the connector pins 56, are at different Direct Current (DC) potentials, such as when they serve as ground and positive voltage terminals for a power supply, for example, corrosion of these electrical contacts may be accelerated. The embodiments of the present disclosure illustrated in fig. 14 and 15 address this problem by allowing commutation of the voltage/current flowing from the power supply 24 of the DICD 10. More specifically, DICD 10 includes a commutation circuit 134, and ISLA 14 includes a de-commutation circuit 136. For example, the commutation circuit 134 may include a switch network with a first H-bridge FET switch driven by an oscillator on the DICD 10, and the de-commutation circuit 136 may include a second H-bridge FET switch driven by the commutation voltage from the DICD 10 to restore the voltage to DC.

During use, commutation circuitry 134 in communication with the power supply 24 of the DICD 10 converts Direct Current (DC) from the power supply 24 to Alternating Current (AC), and de-commutation circuitry 136 receives the AC current and converts it to DC current before communicating with circuitry in the ISLA 14. By alternating between DC and AC currents, the effective or average voltage potential between the connector pins 56 can be reduced to 0V without affecting overall operating efficiency, thereby reducing corrosion in the presence of water/moisture.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various embodiments of the present disclosure described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings constitute non-limiting examples and that additional components and features may be added to any of the embodiments discussed above without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements and features shown or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined with those of another embodiment without departing from the scope of the disclosure, and will realize additional features and advantages based on the presently disclosed subject matter as provided. Variations, combinations, and/or modifications of any feature of any embodiment and/or embodiment described herein that are within the ability of one of ordinary skill in the art are also within the scope of the present disclosure, as are alternative embodiments resulting from combining, integrating, and/or omitting features from any of the disclosed embodiments. For example, it is contemplated that the resulting seal member 118 (fig. 10), converter system 124 (fig. 13), and/or respective commutation and de-commutation circuits 134, 136 (fig. 14) may be combined with any other embodiments of the present disclosure described herein.

Use of the term "optionally" with respect to any element of a claim means that the element can be included or omitted, with both alternatives being within the scope of the claim. Moreover, the use of broader terms such as "including", "including" and "having" should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as "consisting of … …", "consisting essentially of … …", and "consisting essentially of … …". Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above, but is instead defined by the claims that follow, including all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims.

In the preceding description, reference has been made to the spatial relationships between various structures and the spatial orientations of the structures as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, as will be recognized by those of skill in the art upon a complete reading of the present disclosure, the structures described herein may be positioned and oriented in any suitable manner that is suitable for their intended purpose. Thus, the use of terms such as "above," "below," "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "upward," "downward," "inward," "outward," etc., should be understood to refer to the relative relationship between structures and/or the spatial orientation of the structural support. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the use of such terms may be provided in the context of the illustrations provided by the corresponding figure(s).

Further, terms such as "about," "generally," "substantially," and the like should be understood to allow for variation in any numerical range or concept with which they are associated. For example, use of terms such as "about" and "generally" is intended to be understood to encompass variations of about 25%, or to allow for manufacturing tolerances and/or design deviations.

Although terms such as "first," "second," etc. may be used herein to describe various operations, elements, components, regions and/or sections, these operations, elements, components, regions and/or sections should not be limited by the use of these terms as these terms are used to distinguish one operation, element, component, region or section from another operation, element, component, region or section. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, a first operation, element, component, region, or section may be termed a second operation, element, component, region, or section without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The various claims are incorporated into this specification as further disclosure and represent embodiments of the disclosure. Further, the phrases "at least one of A, B and C" and "a and/or B and/or C" should each be construed to include a alone a, a alone B, a alone C, or any combination of A, B and C.