Camera Mount Fixing Plate With Automatic Plunger Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional safety measures for installing surveillance cameras require additional user actions and materials, such as screws, which are inefficient and labor-intensive, and there is a risk of parts falling due to gravity.

Innovation Solution

A fixing system with a mounting plate and base that uses a pressure-loaded pin and index plunger for automatic locking, allowing secure installation without tools, featuring a twist and click mechanism for locking and unlocking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional safety measures (additional screws, tools) are used to secure the camera installation, then the reliability of the mounting is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to additional materials and user actions required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting securityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The index plunger with pressure-loaded pin automatically locks the base to the mounting plate through spring pressure, eliminating the need for additional tools or materials. The system serves itself by automatically engaging the locking mechanism when the base is mounted, requiring no user intervention beyond basic positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The spring is pre-loaded within the index plunger before assembly, storing mechanical energy that automatically engages the pressure-loaded pin with the mounting plate recess upon installation. This preliminary action ensures the locking mechanism is ready to secure the mounting immediately when the base is positioned.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If conventional safety measures (multiple screw levels) are used to prevent unauthorized access, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to additional user actions required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-theft securityVSAvoidinstallation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The index plunger mechanism provides automatic locking that prevents unauthorized removal without requiring users to perform multiple screwing actions. The spring-loaded pin remains engaged under continuous pressure, creating a reliable security feature that works passively once installed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the state of the mounting from a static screw-fixed position to a dynamic spring-loaded engaged state. The spring pressure creates continuous force maintaining the locked position, providing security through mechanical parameter changes rather than multiple fastening steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If pressure-loaded pin with spring is used for automatic locking, then the ease of operation is improved by eliminating tools, but the device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool-free installationVSAvoidfixing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The index plunger combines multiple functions into a single component: the spring provides locking force, the pressure-loaded pin engages the mounting plate, and the plunger body guides the assembly motion. This merging reduces the number of separate parts needed compared to traditional screw-based systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The index plunger serves multiple purposes: it acts as a spring holder, a locking mechanism, and an alignment guide simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and simplifies the assembly process while maintaining reliable locking.

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

4Reliability

If index plunger with spring is used to prevent unintentional release, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional locking mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-loosening securityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring continuously applies pressure to maintain the locked position, automatically compensating for any vibrations or movements that might loosen the mounting. This self-adjusting mechanism prevents unintentional release without requiring complex multi-stage locking systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded pin creates a point-contact locking mechanism that concentrates force at a specific location, providing reliable engagement with the mounting plate recess. The curved spring geometry allows for smooth engagement and disengagement while maintaining constant locking pressure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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

Ensures safe and efficient camera installation with automatic locking, eliminating the need for additional tools or user actions, and preventing unintentional release.

Implementation Method 1

The pressure-loaded pin may be pressurized by a spring disposed inside the index plunger

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring pressure: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the friction between the pressure-loaded pin and the recess of the mounting plate may ensure that the base cannot be released unintentionally

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4236305B1Fixing system for mounting a camera to a support structure
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP4236305B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4236305B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4236305B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a fixing system for mounting a camera to a support structure, a camera including the fixing system, and methods for mounting and dismounting the fixing system. The fixing system comprises a mounting plate (10) attachable to the support structure and a base (20) detachably connectable to the mounting plate (10). The mounting plate (10) includes a recess (5), and the base (10) includes an index plunger (7) with a pressure-loaded pin (7a) and a plunger head (7b). If the base (20) is connected to the mounting plate (10), the pressure-loaded pin (7a) of the index plunger (7) is inserted in the recess (5) of the mounting plate (10). Furthermore, the plunger head (7b) of the index plunger (7) is accessible from a side of the base (20) facing away from the mounting plate (10) to pull the pressure-loaded pin (8a) out of the recess (5).