Rotatable Accessory Holder With Cam Lock for Tool-Free Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera holders for vehicles are inconvenient to adjust, install, and remove, especially when wearing gloves, and often require tools for detachment, limiting the ability to easily attach or move accessories between different vehicle locations.
Innovation Solution
An accessory holder with an anchor that inserts into a support aperture, an accessory connector that is rotatable about a axis, and an accessory lock with a cam mechanism that allows for secure locking and easy unlocking of the accessory connector, enabling convenient adjustment and installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw clamps with threaded fasteners are used for angular adjustments, then the camera position can be securely fixed, but the adjustment mechanism becomes inconvenient to operate especially when wearing gloves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional threaded fastener mechanism with a cam-based locking system. The cam lever provides a mechanical advantage that allows users to easily tighten and loosen the locking mechanism by simple lever motion, eliminating the need to manually thread and unthread screws. This substitution maintains secure fixation while dramatically improving ease of operation, especially when wearing gloves.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism transitions between locked and unlocked states through dynamic motion. When the cam lever is in the locked position, it applies radial force to secure the accessory. When moved to the unlocked position, the cam releases the locking force, allowing free adjustment. This dynamic system enables quick transitions between secure fixation and adjustable states without requiring complex operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If threaded fasteners are completely removed for camera removal, then the camera can be detached from the vehicle, but the process becomes time consuming and risks losing the fastener
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into two independent locking mechanisms: an anchor lock for detaching the entire holder from the vehicle, and an accessory lock for detaching the accessory from the holder. This segmentation allows the accessory to be quickly removed by simply operating the accessory lock without affecting the anchor or requiring complete disassembly, significantly reducing detachment time and eliminating the risk of losing fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory lock acts as an intermediary mechanism between the accessory and the anchor assembly. It provides a dedicated locking and unlocking interface that operates independently of the anchor fasteners. This intermediary system enables quick accessory removal without requiring interaction with the permanent mounting hardware, thus saving time and preventing fastener loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different mechanisms and brackets are used for different accessories and locations, then each accessory can be properly mounted, but the process becomes time consuming and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal accessory holder system where a single anchor assembly with standardized aperture can accommodate multiple types of accessories through the rotatable accessory connector. The anchor lock mechanism and basic mounting structure remain the same across different applications, while the accessory connector can be rotated and repositioned to suit different accessory types and mounting locations. This universality reduces the need for multiple specialized brackets and mechanisms, simplifying the overall system while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory connector incorporates dynamic elements including rotation capability about a vertical axis and adjustable positioning, allowing a single connector design to adapt to various accessory orientations and locations. This dynamic flexibility eliminates the need for multiple static, location-specific brackets, reducing device complexity while preserving versatility across different mounting scenarios.
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
The accessory holder provides easy and tool-free adjustment and installation of accessories, reducing the time and effort required, while ensuring secure attachment and easy removal without the risk of losing fasteners.
Implementation Method 1
The accessory lock has a member connected to the anchor and a cam operatively connected to the anchor. The cam is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position of the cam, the cam presses the member against the cylindrical portion such that the dentate surface of the member engages the dentate surface of the cylindrical portion for restricting rotation of the accessory connector about the rotation axis.
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory holder for connecting an accessory to a support has an anchor being configured to be inserted in an aperture defined in the support and for selectively connecting the accessory holder to the support; an accessory connector connected to the anchor; and an accessory lock operatively connected to the anchor. The accessory connector being rotatable about a rotation axis. The accessory connector is configured for connecting to the accessory. With the accessory lock being locked, rotation of the accessory connector about the rotation axis is restricted. With the accessory lock being unlocked, rotation of the accessory connector about the rotation axis is permitted.