Body Camera Coupler Buckle for Non-Magnetic Uniform Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic coupling mechanisms for securing body cameras on uniforms are inadequate due to strong magnetic flux interfering with electronic devices, potential dislodgement from lateral movement, and pain from accidental closure.
Innovation Solution
A coupler system comprising a base plate and a buckle, designed to releasably couple to an article of wear without damaging it, using rigid materials and a lock mechanism to secure the camera in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic mechanisms are used to secure the camera to the uniform, then the camera can be held in place, but the magnetic flux interferes with electronic devices and causes pain when closing on fingers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the magnetic component from the attachment mechanism entirely. Instead of using magnets to secure the camera to the uniform, the invention employs a purely mechanical fastening system consisting of a base plate with a fastener that attaches to the uniform fabric, eliminating magnetic flux interference with electronic devices and preventing pain from magnetic closure on fingers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the magnetic attachment system with a mechanical fastening system. The base plate incorporates a fastener (such as a snap, button, or Velcro mechanism) that mechanically secures the camera to the uniform through fabric attachment, substituting the magnetic field-based attachment with a physical mechanical connection that avoids electromagnetic interference and safety hazards
2Force
If strong magnets are used to hold heavy camera, then the camera remains secure, but lateral movement can dislodge the camera from the interior magnet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the interior magnet from the attachment mechanism. Instead of relying on a magnet embedded inside the uniform that can be dislodged by lateral movement, the invention uses an exterior fastening system where the base plate with its fastener attaches directly to the uniform fabric surface, preventing dislodgement through mechanical engagement rather than magnetic attraction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional magnetic attachment approach by placing the fastening mechanism on the exterior of the uniform rather than embedding magnets inside. The base plate with fastener attaches to the outer surface of the uniform, reversing the conventional interior-magnet approach and providing more stable lateral resistance through external mechanical fastening
3Ease of manufacture
If magnets are placed inside the shirt to hold camera, then the connection is made without damaging the shirt, but the mechanism becomes complex and potentially painful
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the interior magnet and complex magnetic mechanism from the design. The base plate with its fastener attaches to the exterior of the uniform in a simple, straightforward manner that does not require embedding components inside the fabric, simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining non-damaging attachment to the uniform
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate serves multiple functions: it provides a mounting surface for the camera, incorporates the fastening mechanism for uniform attachment, and eliminates the need for separate magnetic components. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall system while achieving secure, non-damaging attachment to the uniform
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~3B
Figure 4A~4C
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.