Bistable Band Trail Camera Mounting for Fast Secure Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trail cameras require secure, inconspicuous, and effective mounting to outdoor objects while ensuring they capture effective photographic images without alarming wildlife.
Innovation Solution
A mounting apparatus utilizing bistable bands that transition between linear and coiled shapes, providing cumulative spring force for secure attachment to trees or other objects, enhancing flexibility and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mounting methods (screws, nails, adhesives) are used to secure the trail camera, then the camera can be firmly attached to the tree, but the mounting process becomes time-consuming and may damage the tree
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus utilizes bistable bands that can dynamically transition between a first stable shape (for easy attachment) and a second stable shape (for secure holding). This dynamic structural change allows the apparatus to quickly transition from an unattached state to a securely mounted state without requiring time-consuming fastening operations or damaging the tree
Solution Approach 2:
The bistable bands change their physical configuration parameters by transitioning between two stable shapes. When moved from the first stable shape to the second stable shape, the bands undergo a parameter change that results in cumulative spring force, providing secure attachment without requiring traditional time-consuming mounting methods
2Length of moving object
If the trail camera is mounted high on the tree for effective image capture, then the camera can capture images at proper height, but the mounting becomes more difficult and requires stronger attachment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus combines multiple bistable bands arranged in parallel, each contributing cumulative spring force. This merging of multiple elastic elements provides sufficient attachment strength to secure the camera at higher positions on trees without requiring additional heavy-duty fastening mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The bistable bands undergo parameter changes when transitioning to their second stable shape, generating cumulative spring force that scales with the number of bands. This provides the necessary attachment strength at higher mounting positions while maintaining ease of installation
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the trail camera is mounted inconspicuously to avoid alarming wildlife, then wildlife behavior remains natural, but the mounting options become more limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus uses flexible bistable bands that can conform to the surface of trees and other outdoor objects. This flexibility allows the camera to be mounted inconspicuously on various tree shapes and sizes, as well as on posts and fences, without requiring visible mounting hardware that might alarm wildlife
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting apparatus is designed to be universally applicable to multiple types of outdoor objects including trees, posts, and fences. The bistable bands can adapt to different object shapes and sizes, providing versatile mounting options that maintain inconspicuous installation across various locations without disturbing wildlife
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
Facilitates rapid, secure, and inconspicuous mounting of trail cameras, ensuring effective image capture without disturbing wildlife.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the bistable bands has a spring force when moving from the first mechanically stable shape to the second mechanically stable shape. The cover and plurality of bands are arranged such that the spring forces of the plurality of bistable bands are cumulative
Implementation Method 2
Each of the bistable bands has respective first and second mechanically stable shapes. The first mechanically stable shape is substantially linear and the second mechanically stable shape is arcuate or coiled
Implementation Method 3
the first and second edges are substantially linear except for concave segments formed therein. The concave segments of the edges may be arc shaped, and the concave segments in the first edge may align with concave segments in the second edge to form narrow segments of the band. These concave segments enhance the flexibility of the bands
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided for facilitating the attachment of a trail camera to a tree or other outdoor object. The apparatus includes a plurality of bistable bands arranged parallel to one another and a flexible cover enclosing the plurality of bistable bands. Each of the bistable bands has respective first and second mechanically stable shapes. The first mechanically stable shape is substantially linear and the second mechanically stable shape is arcuate or coiled. Each of the bistable bands has a spring force when moving from the first mechanically stable shape to the second mechanically stable shape. The cover and plurality of bands are arranged such that the spring forces of the plurality of bistable bands are cumulative, and thus the apparatus provides adequate wrapping and holding strength to secure the camera to the tree or other object.