Body Camera Coupler Buckle to Eliminate Magnetic Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic mechanisms for securing body cameras on uniforms are inadequate due to strong magnetic forces interfering with electronic devices, potential dislodgment from lateral movement, and discomfort when closing on fingers.
Innovation Solution
A coupler system comprising a base plate and a buckle, made from rigid materials, that securely attaches to an article of wear without altering it, using a lock mechanism to control articulation between the components and prevent unintentional decoupling, ensuring the camera remains in place without magnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If strong magnets are used to hold the camera in place, then the holding force is improved, but the magnetic flux interferes with electronic device circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the magnetic component entirely from the mounting system. Instead of using magnets to attach the camera to the uniform, the invention uses a purely mechanical attachment system consisting of a base plate with friction surfaces and a corresponding mounting structure that physically secures the camera without magnetic fields, thereby eliminating interference with electronic circuitry while maintaining adequate holding force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the magnetic field-based attachment mechanism with a mechanical friction-based attachment system. The base plate uses friction surfaces and a mechanical mounting structure to secure the camera to the uniform, substituting the electromagnetic force with mechanical forces that do not interfere with electronic devices.
2Force
If strong magnets are used to hold the camera, then the holding force is improved, but lateral movement can dislodge the camera
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the attachment interface into multiple friction surfaces and mechanical contact points distributed across the base plate and mounting structure. This segmentation creates multiple engagement points that collectively resist lateral forces, preventing the camera from dislodging through sliding movements that would affect a single-point magnetic attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates curved friction surfaces on the base plate that conform to the contour of the uniform material. These curved surfaces increase the contact area and distribute lateral forces more effectively, enhancing resistance to dislodgment while maintaining secure attachment.
3Ease of operation
If a magnetic mechanism is used, then the attachment is simplified, but it causes discomfort when closing on the user's finger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the magnetic component that causes discomfort to the user's finger. The mechanical attachment system uses external mounting structures on the uniform rather than strong magnets that can close on skin, eliminating the harmful effect while preserving ease of attachment through the simplified mechanical interface.
4Strength
If the coupler components are made from rigid materials, then the structural strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into unified rigid components. The base plate combines friction surfaces, mounting interfaces, and structural support in a single piece, while the mounting structure integrates attachment and securing functions. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and assembly steps, lowering device complexity despite using rigid materials for strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupler for coupling to a provided article of wear comprises a base plate and a buckle. The base plate may comprise a mount interface configured to couple with a provided body worn camera. The buckle may be configured to couple to the base plate over a provided article of wear to couple the base plate to the provided article of wear. The buckle may comprise a first part, a second part, a first joint, and a lock. The first part may be movably coupled to the second part. The lock may be configured to enable and prevent movement of the first part relative to the second part. In an unlocked state, the lock may enable movement of the first part relative to the second part. In a locked state, the lock may prevent movement of the first part relative to the second part.