Two-Piece L-Plate Assembly for Stable Camera Rotation With Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Changing the orientation of camera equipment from landscape to portrait or vice versa using a ballhead is problematic due to instability and difficulty in accommodating cables when using an L-plate, as it requires additional clearance for cabling connections.
Innovation Solution
An extendible L-plate with a base and side plate that can be separated and reassembled to provide clearance for cables, allowing the camera to be rotated between orientations without needing a separate spacer, utilizing a two-piece design with dovetail retention features for secure engagement with quick-release systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a ballhead is used to change camera orientation, then the camera can be rotated between landscape and portrait orientations, but the camera equipment becomes unstable and cables cannot be properly accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The L-plate is divided into two separate plates: a base plate that attaches to the camera and a side plate that provides cable clearance. This segmentation allows the camera to maintain a stable position on the base plate while the side plate extends outward to accommodate cables, resolving the contradiction between orientation adaptability and stability.
2Ease of operation
If a standard L-plate is used to provide cable clearance, then cables can be accommodated, but the camera equipment becomes unstable during orientation changes
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the L-plate into a base plate and side plate, the invention provides cable clearance through the extended side plate while the base plate maintains a compact footprint that preserves camera stability during orientation changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The side plate acts as an intermediary element that provides cable clearance without interfering with the camera's stable mounting on the base plate. It mediates between the need for cable accommodation and the requirement for camera stability.
3Ease of operation
If a separate cable spacer is used to accommodate cables, then cable clearance is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The L-plate is segmented into two plates that can be used independently or together. This allows cable clearance to be provided by the side plate alone when needed, without requiring additional separate spacers or accessories, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The side plate serves multiple functions: it provides cable clearance when attached to the base plate, and can also be used independently as a mounting plate. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cable spacers, reducing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A two-piece extendable L-plate provides clearance between a camera and a quick-release receiver securing the camera to a support permitting a camera having cables connected to the side of the camera's body to be secured in either a landscape or a portrait orientation.