Chest-Mounted Camera Holder With U-Slot Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera carrying devices, such as straps and body-mounted cases, are either cumbersome or limit access to camera functions, and existing holsters are not suitable for larger cameras or allow for easy decoupling, making it difficult to operate camera features or maintain a stable, hands-free operation.
Innovation Solution
A device with a U-shaped slot and a rotatable, truncated cylindrical body that securely mounts a camera on a person's chest, allowing for easy retrieval and operation of camera features, with a locking mechanism to prevent accidental decoupling, and integration with a backpack strap for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a strap is used to carry the camera, then the camera can be carried around the neck or shoulder, but the camera swings freely and may become damaged upon impact
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the camera carrying function into two separate components: a body-mounted case that provides stable mounting on the person, and a camera holder that securely attaches to the camera. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function - the case provides stability while the holder ensures secure camera attachment, resolving the contradiction between carrying convenience and camera stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The body-mounted case acts as an intermediary between the person and the camera. Instead of directly attaching the camera to the person with a strap, the case serves as a stable mounting platform on the body, and the camera holder interfaces with this platform. This intermediary structure eliminates the swinging problem while maintaining carrying convenience.
2Reliability
If a body-mounted camera case is used, then the camera is protected from swinging, but the time required to remove the camera from the case prevents taking desired pictures
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the camera mounting function from the body-mounted case to a separate camera holder. The holder is designed with a quick-release mechanism that allows the camera to be rapidly detached from the holder without requiring removal from the entire case structure. This segmentation enables fast camera retrieval while maintaining the stability benefits of the body-mounted case.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera holder is pre-positioned and pre-attached to the body-mounted case in advance. The quick-release mechanism is prepared beforehand, allowing the user to simply actuate the release lever to detach the camera instantly when needed. This preliminary setup eliminates the time-consuming process of removing the camera from within a case.
3Ease of operation
If a waist-mounted holster is used, then the camera can be carried on the waist, but it is awkward for larger cameras and difficult to operate camera features
Solution Approach 1:
The camera holder is designed with universal compatibility to accommodate various camera sizes and types. The holder structure and quick-release mechanism work with cameras of different dimensions, making the system adaptable to both smaller and larger cameras. This universality resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and camera size compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from waist-mounted positioning to chest-level positioning. This dimensional change in mounting location brings the camera to a more ergonomic height that facilitates easy operation of camera features while also providing better stability and comfort, particularly for larger cameras.
4Ease of operation
If a simple strap connection is used, then the camera can be easily attached, but the camera may become accidentally decoupled
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into a mounting interface on the body-mounted case and a corresponding interface on the camera holder. This segmentation allows for a specialized quick-release mechanism that provides both easy attachment through a simple engagement action and secure holding through a positive locking feature, resolving the contradiction between attachment ease and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-release mechanism is designed with a pre-positioned engagement feature that automatically locks the camera holder to the body-mounted case upon attachment. This preliminary locking action occurs automatically when the camera is mounted, providing secure attachment without requiring additional steps, while still allowing easy release when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for rotatably mounting a camera on a person comprises first and second connecting means. The first connecting means has a U-shaped slot which is defined by a pocket and a pair of opposed channels which extend from the pocket. The second connecting means has a plate and a truncated cylindrical body mounted on the plate. The plate is slidably received by the U-shaped slot and is rotatable within the U-shaped slot. The truncated cylindrical body is provided with a flat edge. A threaded member extends from one of said first connecting means or said second connecting means. The threaded member is for engaging a threaded female tripod receiver of the camera. The plate of the second connecting means can only be received or released from the U-shaped slot of first connecting means when the flat edge to the truncated cylindrical body of the second connecting means is aligned with one of said opposed channels of the first connecting means.