Tool-Free Dome Mounting for Camera Enclosures
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing camera dome mounting systems require tools and are cumbersome, making it difficult to mount and maintain monitoring cameras in inaccessible locations, which can lead to ergonomic challenges and increased risk of errors due to the need to handle small connecting means like screws.
Innovation Solution
A camera arrangement with a dome and camera base that uses a tool-free attachment device featuring a locking mechanism, such as threads, bayonet mount, or snap-fit, allowing one-handed mounting and dis-mounting, and incorporating seals for environmental protection, eliminating the need for screws and improving ergonomics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional screw-based connecting means are used to mount the dome to the camera base, then reliable encapsulation and sealing are achieved, but the mounting and dis-mounting process becomes cumbersome and requires tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional screw-based mechanical fastening system with a snap-fit attachment device. The attachment device features a resilient arm that flexes to engage with the camera base and a locking mechanism that secures the dome without requiring threaded fasteners. This substitution eliminates the need for tools while maintaining reliable encapsulation through the locking engagement and integrated seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment device incorporates a self-locking mechanism where the resilient arm automatically engages with the camera base structure upon insertion. The design allows the dome to be secured through simple push-and-lock actions without requiring external tools or complex assembly procedures, enabling users to perform mounting and dis-mounting operations independently.
2Strength
If multiple screws are arranged along the periphery of the dome for mounting, then secure attachment is achieved, but handling small connecting means becomes difficult and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fastening functions into a single integrated attachment device. Instead of using multiple separate screws distributed along the periphery, the design consolidates the attachment strength into one piece featuring a resilient arm with locking engagement. This single component provides distributed securing force through its engagement points while eliminating the need to handle multiple small fastening elements.
3Reliability
If the dome is mounted in inaccessible locations to provide good overview and security, then monitoring effectiveness is improved, but maintenance and mounting become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces tool-based mechanical fastening with a tool-free snap-fit attachment device featuring a resilient arm and locking mechanism. This allows maintenance personnel to quickly remove and reinstall the dome by simply manipulating the attachment device with hands, eliminating the need for ladders and tools during maintenance operations while maintaining secure mounting in elevated or inaccessible locations.
4Ease of operation
If a tool-free attachment device with locking mechanism is used, then mounting and dis-mounting are simplified, but the complexity of the attachment device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device is segmented into distinct functional components: a resilient arm for engagement, a locking mechanism for securing, and an integrated seal for protection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design manageable. The resilient arm can be independently molded and attached to the dome, separate from the locking features that engage with the camera base.
Data Source
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AI summary
A camera arrangement (1) is disclosed comprising a camera base (2) for mounting the camera arrangement (1) to a surface. The camera base (2) comprises a central receiving portion (21). The camera arrangement (1) further comprises a dome (4; 104) comprising a central section (24) with a through-going opening (25); and an attachment device (26) configured to attach the dome (4) to the central receiving portion (21). The attachment device (26) comprises an attachment portion (37a) configured to extend through the through-going opening (25) of the dome (4) and to lockingly engage a complementary attachment portion (37b) of the central receiving portion (21), and an abutment portion (30) configured to abut an outside surface of the dome (40).