Module isolation

Abstract

In one aspect of the present disclosure, a module is disclosed for use with a digital image capturing device (DICD) including an integrated sensor-lens assembly (ISLA). The module includes a cradle configured for connection to a housing of the DICD, and at least one dampener that is configured for positioning between the module and the housing of the DICD to reduce vibrations transmitted to the ISLA.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A module for use with a digital image capturing device (DICD) including an integrated sensor-lens assembly (ISLA), the module comprising:
 a cradle configured for connection to a housing of the DICD; and   at least one dampener positionable between the module and the housing of the DICD, the at least one dampener being configured to reduce forces and/or vibrations transmitted to the ISLA.   
     
     
         2 . The module of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one dampener includes a material having a durometer within the range of approximately 10 D to approximately 100 D. 
     
     
         3 . The module of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one dampener includes a material selected from the group consisting of: polycarbonate, acrylonitrile-butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thermoplastic elastomer, silicone, rubber(s), and polymer(s). 
     
     
         4 . The module of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one dampener defines an aperture configured to receive a fastener. 
     
     
         5 . The module of  claim 4 , wherein the at least one dampener is generally toroidal in configuration. 
     
     
         6 . The module of  claim 4 , wherein the at least one dampener defines generally planar opposing surfaces. 
     
     
         7 . The module of  claim 1 , wherein the cradle includes a generally curvate cross-sectional configuration defining a concave receiving space configured to accommodate the ISLA. 
     
     
         8 . The module of  claim 1 , wherein the cradle defines an aperture to permit light to pass therethrough and enter the ISLA. 
     
     
         9 . The module of  claim 1 , wherein the cradle includes a mounting structure to facilitate connection of the cradle to the housing of the DICD, the mounting structure including a plurality of brackets. 
     
     
         10 . The module of  claim 9 , wherein the brackets are positioned in corner sections of the cradle. 
     
     
         11 . The module of  claim 9 , wherein the brackets each define an opening configured to receive a fastener to secure the module to the housing of the DICD. 
     
     
         12 . The module of  claim 9 , wherein the cradle further includes at least one mount configured to support the ISLA such that the ISLA can be connected to the cradle. 
     
     
         13 . The module of  claim 12 , wherein the at least one mount includes a plurality of mounts spaced generally equidistant from one another. 
     
     
         14 . An internal module configured to support an integrated sensor-lens assembly (ISLA) of a digital image capturing device (DICD), the module comprising:
 a mounting structure connectable to the DICD, the mounting structure being configured to receive a fastener; and   at least one dampener positionable between the mounting structure and the DICD to reduce forces and/or vibrations transmitted from the DICD to the module and the ISLA, the at least one dampener defining an aperture configured to receive the fastener such that the fastener extends through mounting structure and the at least one dampener into the DICD.   
     
     
         15 . The module of  claim 14 , wherein the at least one dampener includes a material having a durometer within the range of approximately 10 D to approximately 100 D. 
     
     
         16 . The module of  claim 14 , wherein the at least one dampener defines a generally annular cross-sectional configuration. 
     
     
         17 . The module of  claim 16 , wherein the at least one dampener is generally toroidal in configuration. 
     
     
         18 . The module of  claim 16 , wherein the at least one dampener defines generally planar opposing surfaces. 
     
     
         19 . An internal module configured to support an integrated sensor-lens assembly (ISLA) of a digital image capturing device (DICD), the module comprising:
 a first dampener positionable between a body portion of the module and the DICD, the first dampener having a first configuration; and   a second dampener positionable between the body portion of the module and the DICD, the second dampener having a second configuration different from the first configuration, each of the first and second dampeners being adapted to reduce forces and/or vibrations transmitted to the ISLA through the module.   
     
     
         20 . The module of  claim 19 , wherein the first dampener is configured as a gasket and the second dampener defines a generally annular cross-sectional configuration.