Bottom-Eyelet Camera Strap Layout for Stable Lens-Down Carry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional camera carrying systems using neck or shoulder straps with eyelets on the top of the camera body create torque, leading to unstable camera orientation, increased risk of lens damage, and discomfort due to constant bouncing against the photographer's body, while also posing a risk to the camera screen from abrasive clothing.

Innovation Solution

A stabilizing camera carrying system with spatially-separated bottom eyelets that secure the strap to form a rotation axis parallel to the camera's bottom face, combined with a locking mechanism in the shoulder strap to enhance friction for comfort and rapid movement, and an optional tripod adapter for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the strap is connected to top eyelets on the camera body, then the camera can be carried conveniently, but the camera body rotates about the axis formed by the eyelets causing the lens to point outward and creating discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera carrying convenienceVSAvoidlens damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional strap attachment location from the top of the camera body to the bottom. By connecting the strap to bottom eyelets instead of top eyelets, the rotation axis is inverted, causing the camera to orient with the lens pointing downward rather than outward, thus eliminating the harmful effect of lens exposure to collisions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If the strap is connected to top eyelets on the camera body, then the camera can be carried, but the camera constantly bounces against the photographer's body causing discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera carrying capabilityVSAvoidcamera bouncing discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the strap attachment from top to bottom, the camera's orientation relative to the photographer's body is reversed. The camera now rests with its bottom face against the body rather than the top, eliminating the bouncing discomfort caused by the camera's weight and motion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If the strap is connected to top eyelets on the camera body, then the camera can be carried, but the camera screen is exposed to abrasive clothing surfaces causing damage risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera carrying functionVSAvoidscreen damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inverting the strap attachment location changes the camera's orientation so that the screen, which is on the back of the camera, now faces away from the photographer's body and clothing. This prevents direct contact between the screen and abrasive surfaces like denim or belt buckles, eliminating the damage risk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Ease of operation

If a locking mechanism is added to the shoulder strap to increase friction for comfort, then carrying comfort is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshoulder carrying comfortVSAvoidstrap mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism changes the friction parameter between the strap and shoulder pad from low to high. By adjusting this physical parameter, the system transitions between two states: a sliding state for rapid camera access and a locked state for comfortable carrying, thereby resolving the contradiction between comfort and responsiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system ensures the camera lens points downward, reducing damage risk, protects the screen, and allows for quick camera access without reorientation, while providing comfort and rapid response for capturing shots.

Implementation Method 1

a locking mechanism that, when engaged, increases friction between the shoulder strap and shoulder pad to prevent sliding of the shoulder strap along the shoulder pad

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a rotation axis lying substantially parallel to the bottom face of the camera, substantially parallel to a rear face of the camera, and beneath a center-of-mass of the camera

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS12117714B2Camera carrying system with lockable strap and tripod adapter

Publication Date: 2024.10.15 JINX INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

A camera carrying system of the invention comprises a base attachment configured to be affixed to a bottom face of a camera, the base attachment including spatially-separated first and second bottom eyelets. A shoulder strap having first and second strap ends is connected to the first and second bottom eyelets and creates first and second tether points. The tether points define a rotation axis lying substantially parallel to the bottom face of the camera, substantially parallel to a rear face of the camera, and beneath a center-of-mass of the camera. A tripod adapter may be integrally formed in the base attachment so the camera can be readily mountable to a tripod once disconnected from the base attachment. A method is provided for stabilizing the carrying of a camera by a shoulder strap. The method comprises use of the camera carrying system.