Body-Worn Device Button Cover for Accidental Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accidental or unnecessary activation of body-worn devices such as body cameras leads to unwanted recordings, battery depletion, and data waste, particularly in rugged environments like law enforcement operations.
Innovation Solution
A single-piece hard cover device with a C-shaped or J-shaped clip design that protects the activation button, preventing unintentional pressing by clipping onto the camera and allowing partial or complete coverage of the button.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the activation button is left exposed and accessible, then the device is easy to operate and activate, but the button can be accidentally pressed causing unwanted recordings and battery depletion
Solution Approach 1:
A cover member is introduced as an intermediary component between the user and the activation button. The cover member can be positioned to cover the button or moved to expose it, serving as a mediating element that prevents accidental activation while allowing intentional activation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover member is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to transition between covering and exposing the activation button. This dynamic design enables the system to switch between protected and accessible states based on operational needs.
2Reliability
If a protective cover is added to the activation button, then accidental activation is prevented, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cover member serves multiple functions: it protects the activation button from accidental pressing, provides a visual indicator of device state, and can be integrated with the mounting structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover member is integrated with the mounting structure that attaches the device to the officer's equipment. By combining the protective cover function with the mounting function, the overall device complexity is reduced while maintaining both protection and secure attachment.
3Reliability
If the cover device is made as a single-piece hard member, then protection reliability is improved, but the device becomes less adaptable to different camera models
Solution Approach 1:
The protective system is divided into separate functional components: a mounting structure for attachment and a cover member for button protection. This segmentation allows the mounting structure to be adapted to different camera models while maintaining the same protective cover member design.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover member is designed to provide protection specifically at the activation button location without requiring a complete custom fit for each camera model. The localized protection approach allows universal application across different camera designs while maintaining protection effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a cover device is used for a target device having an activation button. The cover device has a body which comprises: a front member configured to cover the activation button at least partially; a first side member disposed on a first side of the front member; a second side member disposed on a second side of the front member; a first rear member connected to the first side member and extending partially toward the second side member; and a second rear member connected to the second side member and extending partially toward the first side member. The first rear member and the second rear member are spaced by a rear distance smaller than a distance between the first side member and the second side member.