Articulating Camera Joint for Tool-Free Pitch Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing body-worn camera mounting systems require bulky hardware and tools for adjusting camera pitch, leading to variations in perspective and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile articulating joint that allows for adjustable and secure mounting of accessories like cameras to articles of wear, using a system with rigid materials and components that enable precise orientation adjustment without the need for tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If bulky hardware is used for adjusting camera pitch, then the camera can be mounted and adjusted, but the mounting system becomes bulky and requires tools for adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation mechanism is nested within the mounting bracket structure itself. The articulating joint comprises a first member with a channel and a second member that moves within this channel, allowing pitch adjustment without external bulky components. The counterweight is integrated into the second member, and the entire mechanism fits within the compact mounting bracket attached to the camera housing.
Solution Approach 2:
A spring mechanism acts as an intermediary between the gravitational force (counterweight) and the camera mounting structure. The spring provides controlled resistance and retention forces that enable smooth articulation while maintaining the camera at adjusted positions, eliminating the need for tool-based adjustment mechanisms.
2Reliability
If traditional mounting systems are used, then camera can be securely mounted, but perspective variations occur due to user variation and mount differences
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a static fixed-position bracket to a dynamic articulating joint that allows controlled movement. The camera can be articulated to different pitch angles and locked into position, enabling consistent perspective adjustment across different users and mounting locations while maintaining secure mounting through the retention mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable pitch mechanism is added, then camera orientation can be modified, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: a first member with a channel providing structural support, a second member containing the counterweight and spring mechanism for articulation, and a retention mechanism for locking positions. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure manageable and compact.
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
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Figure 5
AI summary
An articulating joint for coupling an accessory to a support comprises a platform, a base, and a wedge. The platform couples to one of the support and the accessory, and the base couples to the other of the support and the accessory. The platform includes a hinge having a bore and teeth positioned radially around the bore. The base includes an undercut and a complementary hinge having a thru hole. The wedge includes complementary teeth positioned radially around a passageway and a ramp that cooperates with the undercut of the base. A shaft having a threaded portion engages a threaded insert to couple the hinge of the platform, the wedge, and the complementary hinge of the base. Rotating the shaft to a locked position causes the teeth of the platform to mesh with the complementary teeth of the wedge to retain the platform in an orientation relative to the base.