Separable Ball-Joint Mount for Quiet, Theft-Resistant Camera Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mounting electronic devices like cameras in hunting environments is challenging due to the need for precise orientation, noise minimization, and theft prevention, as traditional tripods are easily knocked over and expensive mounts are at risk of theft.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable utility mount with separable components, including a base mounting bracket and a ball joint system that allows 360-degree adjustment, enabling secure and quiet setup of devices without requiring loud ratchet straps, and allowing users to leave the base bracket in place while taking the adjustable components to prevent theft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional tripods are used to mount cameras, then the camera can be positioned at various locations, but the tripod is easily knocked over by wild game and can spook game
Solution Approach 1:
The mount system is divided into a base mounting bracket that remains stationary and attached to the tree, and a separable ball joint assembly that can be quickly attached and removed. This segmentation allows the stable base to remain while the adjustable components are portably transferred between locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The base mounting bracket is pre-installed on the tree at the desired location before the hunt. This preliminary action creates a stable, pre-positioned mounting point that eliminates the need to set up tripods in the field, which can be noisy and time-consuming.
2Reliability
If expensive camera mounts are used, then the camera can be securely mounted, but the mounts are subject to theft risk
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the valuable ball joint assembly from the base mounting bracket, the system allows the expensive components to be removed and taken with the hunter, leaving only the inexpensive base bracket behind. This eliminates theft risk while maintaining secure mounting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valuable adjustable components (ball joint, clamp mechanism) are extracted from the permanent installation and made portable. Only the simple, low-value base bracket remains fixed to the tree, removing the incentive for theft while preserving all mounting functionality.
3Reliability
If ratchet straps are used to secure mounts, then the mount can be firmly attached, but loud noises are made that may alert game
Solution Approach 1:
The noisy ratchet strap mechanism is replaced with a ball joint and clamp system that uses smooth mechanical action to secure the mount. The clamp can be tightened quietly against the tree trunk, eliminating the loud ratcheting noise that would alert game.
4Loss of time
If mounts are set up early in the morning, then the camera can be positioned before daylight, but the hunter must use headlamps or flashlights which may alert game
Solution Approach 1:
The base mounting bracket is pre-installed on the tree before the hunt, eliminating the need for any setup in the field. When the hunter arrives at dawn, the mount is already in place and requires only the quiet attachment of the ball joint assembly, which takes seconds and requires minimal light.
5Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable components are integrated into the base mounting bracket, then the mount is more versatile, but the base bracket becomes more expensive and subject to theft
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable components (ball joint, clamp mechanism, positioning features) are separated from the base mounting bracket and placed in a removable assembly. This allows the base bracket to remain simple and inexpensive, while the adjustable components can be portably transferred between different base brackets at different hunting locations.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable mount for holding equipment or an equipment-holding arm at, for example, a hunting location such as a deer blind or a tree stand includes a base mounting bracket and an adjustable ball joint removably secured to the mounting bracket. The base mounting bracket is secured to something and can be left in place during the hunting season. The ball joint can be removed and taken with the user. In some configurations, the ball joint can be locked in a desired orientation which is maintained when the ball joint is removed from the base mounting bracket so that the desired orientation is reestablished when the user replaces the ball joint in the base mounting bracket. One version of the ball joint includes a piston cylinder used to release locking pressure to allow for adjustment. The piston cylinder can be pneumatic or hydraulic. A configuration of the base mounting bracket can be readily assembled from a collapsed flat configuration. An articulating equipment holding arm with first and second arms provides an adjustable mount for holding equipment.