Camera Mount Magnetic Pivot Adjustment for Precise Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current image capturing device mounts lack precision and complexity in alignment adjustments, requiring multiple components and springs for counteracting forces, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially as image quality and resolution increase.

Innovation Solution

A mount system utilizing a pivot joint with a magnetic connection between elements, allowing controlled adjustment of pivot movement without additional components, using a screw-based pivot axis and magnetic coupling for precise alignment, and featuring adjustable contact surfaces for flexible movement, with the option to disconnect under external forces for protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional screw and spring mechanism is used for alignment adjustment, then the image capturing device can be held in position, but the device complexity and number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition holding capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the screw mechanism and spring mechanism into a single integrated adjustment element. The screw thread provides both the positioning function and the spring provides the counteracting force, eliminating the need for separate spring components while maintaining position holding capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment element serves multiple functions simultaneously: the screw thread provides mechanical positioning, the spring provides counteracting force, and the curved contact surface enables precise angular adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the alignment mechanism.

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

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple adjustment elements are used for precise alignment, then alignment precision improves, but the size of the alignment mechanism increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidalignment mechanism size
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent nests multiple functional elements within a compact adjustment assembly. The spring is positioned within the screw mechanism, and the curved contact surface is integrated into the adjustment element structure, creating a nested arrangement that achieves precise alignment without increasing overall mechanism size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional alignment mechanism is used, then the device can be adjusted, but the ease of operation decreases due to complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment capabilityVSAvoidmanual setup ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the complex spring mechanism from the user-operated portion of the adjustment system. The spring is contained within the adjustment element, allowing users to simply rotate the screw thread for adjustment without dealing with separate spring components, thereby improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 solution provides enhanced precision and reduced complexity in alignment adjustments, allowing for easy setup and user-friendly operation, while maintaining the image capturing device's position and protecting it from external forces through magnetic disconnection.

Implementation Method 1

The first element and the second element are arranged to be magnetically connected during abutment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic connection: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3739384B1A mount for an image capturing device
Publication Date: 2021.03.17 AXIS
  • EP3739384B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3739384B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3739384B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A mount (1) for an image capturing device (19) comprising a fixed frame, and a support frame arranged to support an image capturing device. The support frame is attached to the frame by a pivot joint defining a pivot axis for the support frame relative to the fixed frame, and an adjustment joint (20, 30, 60) for adjusting a pivot position for the support frame comprising a first element (22, 32, 42, 52) forming a first contact surface (35), and a second element (24, 34, 44, 54, 64) forming a second contact surface (37). The first element is arranged to be moved along a linear axis (26, 36) that traverses the pivot axis and that extends trough a plane of the contact surfaces. At least one of the contact surfaces is curved. The first and second elements are arranged to be magnetically connected during abutment. A system (6) and method for adjustment are also disclosed.