Adjustable Camera Mount With Indexing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current backup camera technologies lack sufficient flexibility and optimized field of view, limiting their effectiveness in enhancing driver visibility and maneuverability, especially for large or unusually shaped vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable camera mount system featuring a dockable camera enclosure with spring-loaded plungers and a camera dock with meshing teeth, allowing for rotational indexing positions and secure docking between a camera enclosure and camera docks, both permanent and temporary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed camera mount is used, then the camera position is stable and secure, but the field of view cannot be adjusted for optimized visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The camera enclosure is designed with rotational capability around a vertical axis, transforming the fixed mount into a dynamic adjustable system. The enclosure can rotate to multiple positions and be secured at each position through indexing mechanisms, allowing the field of view to be optimized while maintaining stable positioning when locked.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: the camera enclosure, the rotating mechanism, the indexing positions, and the locking mechanism. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component - the enclosure provides adjustability while the indexing and locking mechanisms provide stability at selected positions.
2Ease of operation
If a permanent camera dock is installed, then the camera mount is secure and stable, but the camera cannot be easily removed or repositioned
Solution Approach 1:
The docking system transitions from a permanently fixed state to a dynamically removable state through spring-loaded plungers that can be compressed to release the camera enclosure. The spring mechanism provides automatic engagement for secure mounting while allowing easy disengagement when force is applied to compress the springs.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded plungers automatically engage with the camera enclosure to secure it in the dock without requiring additional locking actions. The system self-secures through the spring force, and self-releases when the enclosure is pulled or pushed to compress the springs, eliminating the need for manual locking or unlocking mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If a temporary camera dock with suction system is used, then the camera can be easily installed and removed, but the mount security may be insufficient for large vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The suction system uses vacuum pressure to adhere the camera dock to the vehicle surface. By creating a pressure differential between the inside and outside of the suction cups, the system generates strong holding force that secures the camera to large vehicles while still allowing easy removal by breaking the vacuum seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction system's holding strength can be dynamically adjusted by changing the vacuum level. The system maintains strong adhesion under normal conditions but allows easy removal when sufficient force is applied to break the vacuum seal, providing both security and ease of operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the camera enclosure is made robust and secure, then the camera is protected, but the adjustment mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The indexing mechanism uses spring-loaded plungers with arcuate arms that can dynamically engage with protrusions at different rotational positions. The springs provide continuous pressure to maintain engagement while allowing smooth rotation between positions, reducing the complexity of the locking mechanism compared to rigid fixed-position systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation and locking functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The arcuate arms with meshing teeth serve both to enable rotation and to provide the locking function at indexed positions, eliminating the need for separate rotation joints and locking mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
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 system provides enhanced flexibility and visibility by allowing the camera to be adjusted to multiple indexing positions, improving driver awareness and safety during vehicle maneuvering.
Implementation Method 1
two spring-loaded plungers, each spring-loaded plunger including a platform disposed within the internal space of the body
Implementation Method 2
spring-loaded plungers
Implementation Method 3
The base of the temporary camera dock includes a suction system configured to temporarily join the temporary camera dock to a vehicle or a vehicle trailer without the use of tools
Implementation Method 4
The handle can include two tabs on opposite ends of the rigid stem and is laterally movable relative to the base of the temporary camera dock to create a vacuum between the suction mounting foot and the surface upon which it is being mounted
Implementation Method 5
The mountable camera enclosure is configured to rotate through a plurality of distinct indexing positions defined by friction between the meshing teeth of the arcuate arms and the meshing teeth of the retaining rings
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable vehicle camera mount apparatus for selectively orienting a camera. The vehicle camera mount apparatus includes a dockable camera enclosure and a camera dock. The dockable camera enclosure can include a body and two spring-loaded plungers, with each spring-loaded plunger including two arcuate arms having meshing teeth. The camera dock can include a base and two opposing docking wings defining two parallel channels and a retaining ring having meshing teeth. The dockable camera enclosure is configured to rotate in relation to the camera dock through a plurality of distinct indexing positions defined by friction between the meshing teeth of the arcuate arms and the meshing teeth of the retaining rings. A related system is provided including a interchangeable dockable camera enclosure, a temporary camera dock, and a permanent dock.