Surveillance Camera Mounting With Flexible Spring Clips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surveillance camera mounting systems require access to structural elements and additional components like back boxes, making installation in ceilings or walls costly and inconvenient, especially when structural elements are not readily accessible.
Innovation Solution
A flexible member with spring clips that can be inserted through a hole in a support surface, allowing the camera to be securely mounted without a back box, by bending inward to pass through the hole and then expanding outward to bear against the surface for retention, using tightening members to stabilize the camera.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a back box is used to mount the camera to the ceiling or wall, then the camera can be securely mounted, but additional expense and installation complexity are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the back box from the mounting system entirely. Instead of using a separate back box component, the mounting assembly integrates directly with the camera housing, eliminating the need for additional installation steps and materials while maintaining secure mounting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly is merged with the camera housing itself. The flange with mounting holes is integrated into the camera housing structure, and the spring clips are attached directly to the housing, combining what were previously separate components (camera + back box + mounting hardware) into a unified assembly
2Adaptability or versatility
If a back box is used to mount the camera, then the camera can be installed without access to structural elements, but additional expense and wiring installation requirements are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the back box component that created the additional installation requirements. By integrating the mounting function directly into the camera housing with spring clips that expand against the ceiling or wall surface, the system eliminates the need for separate wiring channels and additional structural modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clips automatically perform the mounting function when the camera is inserted. The clips expand outward to contact the ceiling or wall surface, creating a self-contained mounting system that requires no separate wiring installation or structural element access, making the camera installation self-sufficient
3Reliability
If the mounting assembly uses spring clips that expand outward, then the camera is securely retained, but the clips must be compressed inward during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The spring clips are designed as dynamic components that change state during installation. They are compressed inward (temporary state) to allow passage through the opening, then automatically expand outward (operational state) to contact the ceiling or wall surface and secure the camera. This dynamic behavior provides both easy installation and secure retention
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clips utilize parameter changes in their physical state - specifically, they transition from a compressed state (during insertion) to an expanded state (during retention). The elastic properties of the spring clips allow them to store mechanical energy during compression and release it during expansion, automatically achieving secure mounting without additional fastening steps
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 easy and secure installation of surveillance cameras in ceilings or hollow walls without the need for additional components, reducing installation costs and complexity while ensuring stable camera positioning.
Implementation Method 1
pressure applied to the tightening members causes the flexible member to bend so that the first and second spring clips are moved inwardly
Implementation Method 2
the flexible member unbends when the pressure on the tightening members is removed causing the first and second spring clips to move outwardly away from the center of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for mounting a recessed electric fixture in a hole in a support surface having a housing and flexible member with attached spring clips to secure the housing against the support surface is disclosed. The flexible member and spring clips are attached to the recessed electric fixture by tightening members, and inward pressure applied to the tightening members causes the flexible member to bend so that the spring clips are moved inwardly towards the housing, allowing the spring clips and the flexible member to pass through the hole in the support surface. The flexible member unbends when the pressure on the tightening members is removed, allowing the spring cops to move outwardly from the housing so that a surface-bearing section of the spring clips bears against the back side of the support surface and retains the electric fixture in the support surface hole.