Quick Swap Camera Mount Adapter Plate With Dovetail Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current camera mount systems require significant time and effort to switch between different types, often resulting in delays during filming due to secure attachment methods like screws, which can bind or strip, and misplaced tools, increasing production costs.

Innovation Solution

A quick swap camera mount system featuring an adapter plate with female alignment elements and a camera mounting plate that uses locking mechanisms, such as a dovetail configuration and a spring-biased safety catch, to securely and rapidly change between various camera mounts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple screws are used to affix mounting plates to ensure secure attachment, then the reliability of camera attachment to mount is improved, but the time required for mounting and changing mounts increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidmounting time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting plate is divided into two separate plates: a camera mounting plate that attaches to the camera and an adapter plate that attaches to the camera mount. These plates connect via alignment elements and a locking mechanism, allowing the camera to be quickly transferred between mounts without removing screws from the camera itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter plate serves as an intermediary component between the camera mounting plate and the camera mount. It includes alignment elements and a locking mechanism that enable quick connection and disconnection, eliminating the need to remove and reattach multiple screws during mount changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional screw-based mounting systems are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but the complexity of the mounting system increases due to multiple components and tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment elements and locking mechanism are integrated directly into the mounting plates and adapter plate, combining multiple functions (alignment, positioning, and securing) into single components. This eliminates the need for separate tools and reduces the number of parts that can become misplaced.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is designed to be operated directly by the user without requiring additional tools. The spring-biased safety catch automatically engages when the alignment elements are properly inserted, providing self-securing functionality that simplifies the mounting process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If screws are tightly tightened during changeovers, then secure attachment is ensured, but the risk of screws binding or stripping increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidscrew binding and stripping
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The traditional screw-based securing mechanism is replaced with a locking mechanism that uses a latch and spring-biased safety catch system. This mechanical substitution eliminates the problems of screw binding and stripping while providing secure attachment through the locking elements that engage with the adapter plate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2770371B1Quick swap camera mount systems
Publication Date: 2019.06.12 PANAVISION INTERNATIONAL LP
  • EP2770371B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2770371B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2770371B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Camera mounts systems (11), allowing a camera crew to quickly changeover from one type of camera (1) mount to another type of camera mount, include an adapter plate (15) and a camera mounting plate (13), which can mount to various types of camera mounts. The adapter plate (15) includes a support platform (49) and primary and secondary female alignment elements (45a, 45b), which form sockets (55a, 55b). The sockets (55a, 55b) are configured to receive primary and secondary male alignment elements (45a, 45b) of the camera mounting plate (13). The camera mounting plate (13) and the adapter plate (15) are configured to mate, using one or more locking, engagement, and/or catch mechanisms such that the mounting plate (13) is securely positioned on the adapter plate (15) to. Upon assembly of the system (11) with a camera mount movement of the camera (1) during and between filming is avoided.