Articulating Camera Joint With Wedge Lock for Tool-Free Pitch Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing body-worn camera mounting systems require bulky hardware and tools to adjust the camera pitch, leading to variations in perspective and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile articulating joint system that couples accessories, such as cameras, to a support using a platform and base assembly with wedges and compression springs, allowing for adjustable and secure positioning without the need for bulky hardware or tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If bulky hardware is used to adjust camera pitch, then the camera can be mounted securely, but the device becomes large and inconvenient for body-worn use
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is divided into separate functional components: a base unit attached to the camera, an articulating joint mechanism with movable elements, and a separate mounting interface. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while keeping the overall device compact for body-worn application
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating joint mechanism employs nested structural elements where smaller components are housed within larger ones. The adjustable pitch mechanism is integrated within the compact base structure, allowing secure mounting functionality to be contained within a small form factor suitable for body-worn cameras
2Measurement precision
If tools are required to modify camera pitch, then precise adjustment is possible, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating joint incorporates self-adjusting mechanisms that allow the user to modify camera pitch directly through manual manipulation of the joint components. The design enables direct adjustment without requiring external tools, making the operation simple and quick while maintaining precise pitch control through the mechanical joint structure
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system transitions from a static fixed-position mount to a dynamic articulating joint that allows real-time pitch adjustment. The movable elements within the joint enable continuous modification of the camera angle, providing both precision and ease of operation through smooth mechanical movement
3Volume of moving object
If a low-profile design is used, then the device is compact and comfortable for body-worn use, but the mounting hardware may become too small to secure properly
Solution Approach 1:
The compact base structure concentrates mounting strength at critical local points where the camera attaches to the base and where the articulating joint connects. High-strength materials and optimized connection geometries are applied specifically at these stress points, allowing the overall device to remain small while maintaining secure mounting capability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise adjustment of camera pitch and field of view, providing a consistent perspective while maintaining a compact design and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring configured to concentrically align with the threaded nut and act on the first set of radial teeth of the first coupling wedge and the first tab of the articulating platform
Implementation Method 2
a shaft having a threaded portion, the threaded portion configured to engage the threaded insert, the shaft passing through the third bore of the first wedge, the first bore of the first wheel of the articulating platform, and the second bore of the second wheel of the articulating platform
Implementation Method 3
a first wedge having a first ramp configured to engage the first undercut of the first side of the base
Data Source
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.