Shielded Camera Quick-Release Mount for Secure Fast Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera mounting mechanisms, such as thumbscrew-and-receptacle arrangements, are time-consuming and require dexterity, and existing quick release mechanisms are not adequately shielded, leading to accidental disengagement and difficulty in gripping release components.
Innovation Solution
A quick attachment and release mounting mechanism comprising a clamping base with a receptacle and a camera adapter featuring a tapered dovetail connection, a latch arm, and a shielded actuating portion for secure and easy engagement and disengagement, with a loop for camera strap attachment to prevent loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional thumbscrew and receptacle arrangement is used, then the camera can be securely mounted to a tripod, but it takes time and dexterity to secure the thumbscrew
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: a base unit with receptacle and a camera unit with thumbscrew, allowing independent assembly and quick engagement without complex threading operations
Solution Approach 2:
The thumbscrew mechanism is extracted from the traditional threaded receptacle system and integrated into the camera base unit, separating the securing function from the mounting interface to enable quicker attachment
2Reliability
If a conventional thumbscrew and receptacle arrangement is used, then the camera can be securely mounted, but it requires dexterity to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The camera base unit with integrated thumbscrew allows the user to secure the camera by simply pushing it into the receptacle, with the thumbscrew automatically engaging, eliminating the need for manual threading operations requiring dexterity
3Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional thumbscrew arrangement is used, then the camera can be mounted to a tripod, but it cannot be used to secure the camera to the full range of objects and surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The base unit with standardized receptacle and camera unit with thumbscrew can be mounted to various surfaces and objects including tripods, walls, and other structures, providing universal adaptability while maintaining secure mounting through the thumbscrew mechanism
4Productivity
If a quick release mechanism is used, then the camera can be quickly attached and detached, but the mechanism is not shielded and accidental contact may release the camera
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism includes a shield or cover that prevents accidental activation of the release function, requiring intentional action to disengage the camera while allowing quick attachment when needed
5Ease of operation
If a quick release mechanism is used, then the camera can be easily detached, but it can be hard to grip the portions of the mechanism that must be pressed inwardly
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism features ergonomically designed grip surfaces with appropriate texture and shape on the portions that need to be pressed, making them easy to locate and actuate even with gloved hands or in challenging conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A quick attachment and release mounting mechanism for a camera. The mechanism includes a clamping base with clamping structure adapted to be secured around an object, such as a paddle, and an adapter. The clamping base includes a receptacle which is trapezoidal and narrower at the top, and also tapers from one end to the other. The receptacle is disclosed forwardly of the clamping structure. The adapter includes a fastener adapted to engage a camera, and a leading portion with a shape that is complementary to that of the receptacle. A latch mechanism is provided to latch the adapter and receptacle together. The latch mechanism is shielded from accidental disengagement by a frame.