Bimini Frame Camera Mount for Unobstructed Views
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current camera mounting systems on watercraft, especially those coupled to towers, often have their view obstructed by bimini covers when deployed, necessitating a solution for an unobstructed high vantage point.
Innovation Solution
A bimini mountable camera device comprising a first and second shell portion with grooves and fastener openings, allowing the camera to be securely attached to the bimini frame, forming a water-tight seal and avoiding obstruction by the bimini cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the camera is mounted to the tower of the watercraft, then the camera has a high vantage point, but the bimini cover obstructs the view when deployed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the camera mounting from the vertical dimension (tower) to the horizontal dimension (bimini frame). By mounting the camera to the bimini frame that extends horizontally beyond the tower, the camera achieves a different spatial position that maintains high vantage point while avoiding the obstruction zone created by the deployed bimini cover.
Solution Approach 2:
The bimini frame serves as an intermediary mounting structure between the watercraft and the camera. Instead of directly mounting to the tower, the camera is mounted to the bimini frame which extends beyond the tower, using this intermediate structure to achieve both high vantage point and unobstructed view.
2Reliability
If the camera is mounted to the tower of the watercraft, then the camera has a high vantage point, but the view is obstructed by the bimini cover
Solution Approach 1:
The bimini frame is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the bimini cover and simultaneously serves as a mounting structure for the camera. This multi-functionality allows the camera to be mounted without adding separate complex mounting hardware, achieving reliable unobstructed views while keeping the mounting system relatively simple.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the camera is mounted to the bimini frame, then the view is unobstructed, but the installation and removal should be easy
Solution Approach 1:
The camera mounting system is segmented into separate components: the camera, the mounting bracket, and the bimini frame attachment points. This segmentation allows the camera and mounting bracket to be easily installed and removed from the bimini frame without permanent modifications, achieving easy operation while maintaining unobstructed views.
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations include a bimini mountable camera device. The device includes a camera and first and second shell portions. The first shell portion has a first end and a second end. The first end of the first shell portion defines a central opening extending along a central axis to the second end of the first shell portion. The second end of the first shell portion defines a first groove extending along a first groove axis that extends perpendicular to the central axis. The second shell portion has a first end and a second end. The first end of the second shell portion is couplable to the second end of the first shell portion. The first end of the second shell portion defines a second groove extending along a second groove axis that extends parallel to the first groove axis. The camera is at least partially disposed within the central opening.