Quick-Release Camera Mount With Helical Clamping Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera mounts lack intuitiveness and stability, especially for larger optical devices, and often require complex operations to secure and release the camera plate.
Innovation Solution
A quick release mounting system featuring a base with a socket and movable latching members that engage with obliquely oriented latching surfaces on the mounting plate, utilizing a locking mechanism with ball bearings and a helical path to securely clamp the plate, and a release mechanism for easy disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism is added to rigidly clamp the mounting plate, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is nested within the base structure, with the locking pin fitting into a slot in the mounting plate. The latching member is contained within the base, with its actuating surface accessible through an opening. This nesting approach provides rigid clamping stability while keeping the overall device compact and relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching member is biased by a spring to automatically engage with the mounting plate when inserted, providing self-latching functionality. The user simply needs to press the release mechanism to disengage, and the spring automatically re-engages the latching member when released. This self-service mechanism improves stability without requiring complex manual operation.
2Ease of operation
If a release mechanism is added to easily disengage the latching members, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism extracts the latching function from the main body by using a separate, accessible actuating surface on the latching member that can be pressed through an opening in the base. This allows the user to disengage the latching members with a simple finger press without manipulating internal components, significantly improving ease of operation while adding minimal complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching member acts as an intermediary between the internal locking mechanism and the user's finger. By providing an actuating surface on the latching member itself (rather than requiring direct manipulation of internal components), the design mediates the release action in a way that is both simple for the user and efficient for the mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If oblique latching surfaces are used on the mounting plate, then ease of operation is improved through intuitive engagement, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latching surfaces on the mounting plate are designed with an oblique angle (approximately 45 degrees) rather than being perpendicular to the plate surface. This asymmetric geometry provides intuitive engagement guidance, causing the mounting plate to naturally align and engage with the latching members during insertion. The oblique surfaces convert lateral insertion motion into vertical latching action, improving ease of operation while the standard oblique angle maintains reasonable manufacturing precision requirements.
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
The system provides a stable, easy-to-use, and secure attachment for cameras and other optical devices, allowing for one-handed operation and secure locking with intuitive release mechanisms, suitable for various device sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of ball bearings, each located within corresponding locking plate and locking ring ball tracks, and wherein rotation of said locking ring with respect to said locking plate causes the ball bearings to separate the locking ring from the locking plate to thereby clamp said mounting plate between said locking plate and said latching members
Data Source
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AI summary
A quick release mount system having a mounting plate with opposed sides, each including latching surfaces, adapted to be received into a base member having a socket. The mounting system further having at least one movable latching member for engaging with the latching surface of the mounting plate to prevent separation of said mounting plate from said socket, wherein the mounting system also includes a locking mechanism for clamping said mounting plate within said socket, by pushing the mounting plate in a direction perpendicular to the base, and against the at least one latching member.