Camera Mount Anti-Theft Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for preventing theft of image pickup apparatuses and accessories, such as interchangeable lenses, are either bulky or ineffective as they can be easily circumvented by cutting wires or using general tools.
Innovation Solution
A mount system for image pickup apparatuses that includes a first mount portion with a fixing portion, a fixed mount portion, a movable mount portion, and a rotatable mount ring, which can be locked using a dedicated rotary tool to prevent unauthorized detachment of accessories without increasing the apparatus's size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wire rope and support base are used to fix the camera, then theft prevention is improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The theft prevention mechanism is nested within the existing mount structure. The operation member is received by the insertion portion that is integrated into the mount, and the locking/unlocking function is embedded within the rotational movement of the mount portion, eliminating the need for separate external fixing mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The mount structure serves multiple functions: it enables the rotational movement for imaging adjustment and simultaneously provides theft prevention through the locking mechanism. The insertion portion and operation member are integrated into the mount, allowing the same structure to perform both mounting and security functions
2Reliability
If a wire rope is used for theft prevention, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates as it can be easily cut with general tools
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion portion has an asymmetric design where the first fitting portion receives the operation portion of the operation member, while the second fitting portion with regulation portion receives a support portion. This asymmetric configuration ensures that only the specific operation member with the corresponding shape can be inserted and operated, preventing unauthorized detachment with general tools
Solution Approach 2:
The operation member acts as an intermediary tool that mediates between the user and the locking mechanism. It has a specific shape with an operation portion and support portion that interact with the insertion portion's fitting portions, enabling authorized operation while preventing unauthorized access
3Reliability
If a dedicated locking mechanism is added to the mount, then theft prevention is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the mount structure itself. The insertion portion is integrated into the mount, and the locking function is achieved through the rotational movement of the mount portion relative to the fixed mount portion, combining the mounting and security functions into a single integrated structure
Solution Approach 2:
The mount structure provides its own theft prevention function through the integrated locking mechanism. The operation member interacts with the insertion portion that is part of the mount itself, allowing the mount to secure the accessory without requiring external security devices
Data Source
AI summary
A mount aims to prevent an accessory mountable in an image pickup apparatus from being stolen using a simple configuration. The mount is disposed in a main body of an image pickup apparatus, and comprises a first mount portion attachable/detachable with respect to an accessory. The first mount portion includes a fixing portion fixed to the main body of the image pickup apparatus, a fixed mount portion fixed and held to the fixing portion, a movable mount portion relatively rotatable with respect to the fixed mount portion with an optical axis of the image pickup apparatus as a center, a mount ring rotatable with the movable mount portion, and an insertion portion to which an operation member to switch a non-lock state and a lock state of the accessory with respect to the first mount portion is inserted from an outside of the first mount portion.