Camera Mount Clamp With Eccentric Ratcheting Jaws
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera mount clamping mechanisms require knob screws or clasps that extend externally, making them difficult to compactly package, require two hands to operate, and necessitate significant force and time to tighten or loosen, with the tightening screw often being inconveniently located.
Innovation Solution
A clamping apparatus with two slidably coupled jaws and a rotatable jaw movement mechanism featuring an eccentric inner surface and a ratcheting mechanism, allowing for one-handed operation and quick clamping/unclamping without external knobs or clasps, using a self-clamping mechanism where the item to be clamped is rotated to tighten the jaws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a knob screw is used to secure the base plate, then the clamping function is achieved, but the clamp cannot be compactly packaged and requires two hands to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the external knob screw from the clamp structure entirely. Instead, it uses an internal cam mechanism with an eccentric contour that is integrated into the clamp body, eliminating the need for a separate external fastening component that extends outward.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism is merged with the clamp body structure. The eccentric contour is formed directly within the clamp housing, combining the fastening function with the structural component rather than being a separate external element.
2Productivity
If a knob screw is used to tighten the base plate, then secure clamping is achieved, but significant force and time are required to turn the screw
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an eccentric (elliptical or variable contour) shaped cam mechanism. The curved eccentric contour converts rotational motion into linear clamping motion with mechanical advantage, allowing rapid engagement with minimal force compared to a linear screw thread.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism provides dynamic clamping where the clamping force is applied automatically as the cam rotates into position, rather than requiring continuous manual force application as with a screw. The ratcheting mechanism maintains the dynamic lock without requiring sustained force.
3Ease of operation
If a knob screw is used for clamping, then the base plate can be secured, but the tightening screw is located in an inconvenient place and is not easily accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the external knob screw that was located in an inconvenient position and replaces it with an internal cam mechanism that is accessed through a different interface, improving accessibility while maintaining the clamping function.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism acts as an intermediary between the user's rotational input and the clamping action. The eccentric contour translates simple rotational motion into the required clamping motion, providing an accessible control interface that is easier to reach and operate than the previous screw location.
4Volume of moving object
If an external knob screw extends outward from the clamp, then the clamping function is provided, but the clamp cannot be compactly packaged or stowed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the external knob screw that extended outward and replaces it with an internal cam mechanism. This eliminates the protruding element that prevented compact packaging while preserving the essential clamping function through the integrated eccentric contour.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism is nested within the clamp body structure. The eccentric contour is housed inside the clamp housing, allowing the entire assembly to have a compact footprint suitable for storage while the internal mechanism provides the full clamping capability when activated.
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
Enables compact packaging, efficient one-handed operation, and rapid clamping/unclamping with minimal effort, eliminating the need for external knobs or clasps and improving accessibility by integrating the clamping function into the camera mount design.
Implementation Method 1
A rotatable jaw movement controlling mechanism having an eccentric (elliptical or variable contour) shaped inner surface is coupled to the two clamping jaws for controlling the movement of the two clamping jaws towards or away from each other
Implementation Method 2
A ratcheting mechanism is coupled to the jaw movement controlling mechanism for preventing slippage of the two clamping jaws when the two clamping jaws are moving towards each other
Data Source
AI summary
Clamping apparatus for a camera mount includes two clamping jaws slidably coupled to each other so they can move towards or away from each other along a common plane. A rotatable jaw movement controlling mechanism having an eccentric (elliptical or variable contour) shaped inner surface is coupled around a portion of the two clamping jaws for controlling the movement of the two clamping jaws towards or away from each other. A ratcheting mechanism is coupled to the jaw movement controlling mechanism for preventing slippage of the two clamping jaws when the two clamping jaws are moving towards each other. The ratcheting mechanism may include a release button for releasing the ratcheting function and enabling the jaws to move away from each other quickly and without much effort.