Surveillance Camera Locking Mechanism for Tool-Free Angle Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Surveillance cameras require auxiliary tools like screwdrivers for adjusting the shooting angle, which is inconvenient and can cause damage or injury.

Innovation Solution

A surveillance camera with a locking device that allows tool-free adjustment of the shooting angle by switching an operating component between locking and unlocking positions, using frictional forces to secure the image capturing device in place.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an adjusting mechanism is used to adjust the shooting angle, then the shooting angle can be adjusted, but an auxiliary tool like a screwdriver is required which is inconvenient and may cause damage or injury

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment operationVSAvoidadjusting mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the need for auxiliary tools (screwdrivers) by integrating the adjustment function directly into the camera body through a rotating component that can be operated directly by the user, thereby simplifying the adjustment operation while removing harmful external elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The adjusting mechanism is designed to be self-operating without requiring external tools. The rotating component can be directly manipulated by the user's hand, making the system self-servicing and eliminating dependency on auxiliary tools, thus improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If an adjusting mechanism is used, then the shooting angle can be adjusted, but falling tools or loose parts may cause damage to objects and/or injuries to personnel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshooting angle adjustmentVSAvoiddamage or injury from tools
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes auxiliary tools from the adjustment process entirely, extracting the harmful element (screwdrivers that may fall or cause injury) while preserving the essential function of shooting angle adjustment through an integrated rotating mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of loose parts and falling tools into a benefit by designing a compact integrated mechanism where all components are permanently attached, eliminating the risk of parts becoming loose or detached during operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If a locking device is added to lock the orientation, then the orientation can be secured, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveorientation lockingVSAvoidlocking device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is merged with the rotating component itself. The rotating component serves dual purposes: adjusting the shooting angle and locking the orientation when positioned at specific angular intervals, thereby achieving reliable orientation locking without adding separate complex locking mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotating component is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an adjustment mechanism for changing shooting angles and as a locking device that secures the orientation at predetermined angles, eliminating the need for separate dedicated locking components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 convenient, tool-free adjustment and locking of the shooting angle, enhancing user experience and safety by eliminating the need for auxiliary tools.

Implementation Method 1

using frictional forces to secure the image capturing device in place

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4712495A1Surveillance camera
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 MOXA INC
  • EP4712495A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4712495A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4712495A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A surveillance camera(1,1',1") includes a shell body(11,11',11"), an image capturing device(12,12") at least partially disposed inside the shell body(11,11',11") and movable at least along a first direction(D1) or a second direction(D2) opposite to the first direction(D1), and a locking device(13,13") disposed between the shell body(11,11',11") and the image capturing device(12,12"). The locking device(13,13") includes an operating component(131,131',131") rotatably disposed between the shell body(11,11',11") and the image capturing device(12,12") and switchable between a locking position(K1) and unlocking position(K2), and when the operating component(131,131',131") moves from the locking position(K1) to the locking position(K1), the image capturing device(12,12") moves along a first direction(D1), such that the image capturing device(12,12") and the locking device(13,13") engage with the locking device(13,13") and the shell body(11,11',11") in tight-fitting engagements, respectively, thereby locking an orientation of the image capturing device(12,12").