Camera Shoe Clamp with Rotating Lever Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Securing large and bulky camera accessory devices to camera shoe plates is challenging due to the small size of the shoe plate and bracket, making it difficult to position and secure them, especially in outdoor or inclement weather conditions, and there is a risk of losing or misplacing components.
Innovation Solution
A mounting device with a clamp assembly that compresses the shoe plate between a bracket and a base plate using a lever ring, which reduces the number of moving components and provides a robust securing system, and includes an actuator assembly that allows easy positioning and rotation of the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional thumb-screws are used to secure the shoe plate to the bracket, then the accessory device can be attached to the camera, but it becomes difficult to position and secure the accessory device, especially in outdoor or inclement weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: the clamp assembly with movable jaw for gripping the shoe plate, the lever ring for actuation, and the threaded engagement system for securement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, making the overall operation simpler despite the detailed internal structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly incorporates a movable jaw that can dynamically adjust its position along the longitudinal axis of the bracket. The lever ring enables dynamic actuation, allowing the user to quickly transition between secured and unsecured states. This dynamic capability significantly improves ease of operation compared to static thumb-screw mechanisms.
2Volume of moving object
If the accessory device is large and bulky while the shoe plate and bracket are relatively small, then the accessory device can be mounted on the camera, but it becomes difficult to position on the bracket for securement
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the large accessory device and the small bracket. It provides a secure gripping interface for the shoe plate while being compact enough to fit on the bracket. The lever ring serves as another intermediary, translating user input into precise positioning and securement actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly utilizes the depth dimension of the bracket by positioning the movable jaw along the longitudinal axis. This allows the securing mechanism to accommodate large accessory devices by engaging them at multiple points along their length, rather than attempting to secure them at a single point on the surface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for securing the shoe plate, then the securing mechanism can be flexible, but the components can be easily lost and misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly merges multiple previously separate components into a single integrated unit. The movable jaw, lever ring, and threaded engagement elements are combined into one assembly that attaches to the bracket as a single component. This eliminates the risk of individual small parts being lost while maintaining the flexibility and adaptability of the securing mechanism.
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 secure attachment of camera accessories in various conditions, including outdoor and inclement weather, while minimizing the risk of losing or misplacing components, and allows for easy positioning of the accessories.
Implementation Method 1
the lever ring is configured to rotate around the longitudinal axis between an open position and a closed position... the base plate is configured to move along the longitudinal axis between a first position and a second position when the lever ring is rotated
Implementation Method 2
the clamp assembly compresses the shoe plate between a bracket and a base plate through the rotation of a lever ring... when the lever ring is in the closed position, the base plate is in the second position so as to secure the shoe plate between the base plate and the first end of the bracket
Implementation Method 3
the lever ring including an annular inner surface having one or more threads; and a base plate including at least one side surface having one or more threads that correspond to the one or more threads of the lever ring
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp assembly for securing a shoe plate of a camera accessory includes a bracket, a lever ring disposed around the bracket between the first end and the second end, and a base plate. The base plate is configured to move when the lever ring is rotated so as to secure the shoe plate between the base plate and the bracket. The clamp assembly is coupleable to a device that includes a housing and a mount configured to attach to a boom. The housing is rotatable relative to the mount about a rotation axis. The device also includes an actuator assembly and a latch coupled thereto. The actuator assembly is configured to move the latch between an engaged position with the mount, which prevents rotation of the housing relative to the mount, and a disengaged position with the mount, which enables rotation of the housing relative to the mount.