Machine Vision Camera Mounting Clamp for Tight, Vibration-Prone Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machine vision cameras face challenges in being securely mounted on moving parts with limited space, harsh environments, and unusual angles, often requiring frequent adjustments and risking detachment due to vibration and strain.
Innovation Solution
A mount system comprising a rectangular base, adjustable clamp discs, a tilting plate, and an expansion clamp with a tapered head screw and expandable mandrel, allowing for flexible positioning and secure attachment in inhospitable environments, using stainless steel for corrosion resistance and aluminum for strength, with dedicated fixtures and manufacturing processes for precision and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mounting methods are used on moving parts, then the camera can be attached, but the mount becomes loose due to vibration and strain
Solution Approach 1:
The mount system incorporates a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the mounting position and angle to be adapted during operation. The adjustable clamp and positioning features enable real-time compensation for vibration and strain, transforming a static mount into a dynamic system that responds to operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters such as clamp pressure, positioning angle, and securement force to maintain reliable mounting. The adjustable clamp allows modification of mechanical pressure parameters, while the positioning mechanism enables parameter changes in orientation and location to optimize performance under varying vibration and strain conditions.
2Area of stationary object
If the mounting space is limited on moving parts, then the camera must be compact, but positioning flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mount system employs a nested structure where the adjustable clamp, positioning mechanisms, and camera mounting interface are arranged concentrically and hierarchically. This nesting allows multiple adjustment functions to be packed into a compact form factor, enabling full positioning flexibility within limited mounting space through space-efficient hierarchical arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes multiple dimensional adjustments including angular rotation, linear positioning, and tilt orientation. By distributing adjustment capabilities across different spatial dimensions, the mount achieves comprehensive positioning flexibility while maintaining a compact footprint, as each dimension contributes independently to the overall positioning capability.
3Reliability
If the camera is mounted in harsh environments, then frequent adjustments are needed, but this increases maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The mount system incorporates preliminary adjustment capabilities that allow optimal positioning to be established before operation begins. The adjustable clamp and positioning mechanisms enable pre-setting of mounting parameters to account for anticipated environmental conditions, reducing the need for frequent adjustments during operation and thereby decreasing maintenance requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the mount system is highly adjustable, then positioning flexibility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mount system employs universal components such as the adjustable clamp that serves multiple functions: securing the camera, enabling angular adjustment, and providing positioning stability. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, allowing high positioning flexibility to be achieved without proportionally increasing device complexity through component proliferation.
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 mount system provides stable, adjustable, and secure camera positioning without frequent adjustments, even in harsh environments, ensuring long-term reliability and versatility in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
an expansion clamp with a tapered head screw and expandable mandrel
Data Source
AI summary
A mount system and method of manufacture for e.g. a machine vision camera is disclosed. The mount system comprises a rectangular base, a lower clamp disc, an upper clamp disc, a tilting plate, an expansion clamp, and an O-ring. The expansion clamp comprises a tapered head screw and an expandable mandrel, both typically made of stainless steel. The mount system facilitates improved machine vision by enabling effective mounting of machine vision cameras in smaller spaces and/or spaces requiring unusual angles and intricate positioning. The mount system is also advantageous in inhospitable environments having harsh environmental factors. The mount system is also easier for machine vision personnel to learn and understand.