Camera Mount with Ratcheting Interlock for Orientation Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera mounts for action sports are inflexible, requiring manual horizon adjustments and additional steps when changing orientations, which can lead to tilted or inverted camera views during non-level activities, and may accidentally decouple during use due to frictional engagement.
Innovation Solution
A two-part adjustable mount system with a removable mount body that allows for rotational and pitching adjustments, featuring a positive interlocking arrangement with a rotational ratcheting mechanism and a compact design, ensuring secure attachment and easy camera orientation changes without the need for manual horizon adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a frictional engagement is used to connect the mount body to the base, then the mount can be easily assembled and disassembled, but the body may be loosened or accidentally decoupled during use
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a static frictional connection to a dynamic system where the body can be easily inserted and removed, but once connected, the positive interlocking arrangement provides automatic mechanical locking that prevents loosening during use
Solution Approach 2:
A positive interlocking arrangement acts as an intermediary mechanism between the mount body and base, providing a reliable connection that prevents accidental decoupling while maintaining ease of assembly through a simple snap-fit design
2Device complexity
If the camera mounting orientation is fixed, then the mount structure is simple, but the camera may be tilted or inverted during non-level activities
Solution Approach 1:
The mount body is segmented into multiple rotational components that can independently adjust orientation. The body can rotate about a vertical axis and the camera can pitch relative to the body, allowing separate adjustment of each orientation parameter while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system transitions from a fixed orientation structure to a dynamic, multi-axis rotational system that allows the camera to adapt to various orientations during non-level activities while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design
3Device complexity
If manual horizon adjustment is required, then the mounting system is simple, but additional manual adjusting steps are needed every time mounting orientation changes
Solution Approach 1:
The mount body and camera are pre-configured with rotational capabilities and locking mechanisms that allow quick orientation changes. Users can pre-adjust the body rotation and camera pitch before mounting, eliminating the need for manual horizon adjustment after mounting
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational and pitching mechanisms are designed to be user-operable without requiring additional manual horizon adjustment. The system serves itself by providing built-in orientation adjustment capabilities that eliminate the need for post-mounting calibration
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
An adjustable mount (2) for a camera, comprising a base (6) for mounting to an object in a fixed position and a body (4) that is removably connected to the base (6), the base (6) defining a horizontal plane for the adjustable mount (2), and wherein, when the body (4) is connected to the base (6) in use, the body (4) is rotatable about a vertical axis passing through the base (6) and a mounting portion (32) of the body (4) is pivotable away from the horizontal plane so as to enable adjustment of an orientation of a camera supported on the mounting portion (32).