Low-Profile Camera Support Base for Stable Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional compact cameras lack stability on irregular surfaces, especially under conditions of vibration and movement, due to their low intrinsic bulk and mass, and traditional supporting devices often require rigid anchoring or add height, hindering use in small spaces and causing collisions with protruding elements.

Innovation Solution

A camera supporting base with a mounting platform and stabilizing mass, featuring a bi-level configuration and recessed area, allows for stable positioning without rigid anchoring, accommodating compact cameras and preventing collisions with protruding elements by distributing weight and providing a low-profile mounting surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If conventional compact cameras are used, then the camera remains small and light for portability, but the camera lacks inherent stability under vibration and movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera weightVSAvoidcamera stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the counterweight principle by adding a separate stabilizing mass to the supporting base. This stabilizing mass counteracts the instability caused by the light compact camera, providing balance and stability without requiring the camera itself to be heavier. The stabilizing mass is positioned to create a counterbalancing effect that prevents tipping and vibration during movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a ball head positioning device is added to improve camera positioning flexibility, then positioning capability is enhanced, but the device adds height and decreases stability while hindering use in small spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidmounting height
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the positioning device with the supporting base into an integrated low-profile mounting structure. Instead of adding a separate ball head that increases height, the positioning mechanism is incorporated directly into the base at a low level, maintaining stability and suitability for small spaces while still providing the necessary positioning flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If conventional rigid anchoring is used to ensure stability, then stability is improved, but time and effort are required for repositioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera stabilityVSAvoidrepositioning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing a repositionable anchoring mechanism that transitions between stable and mobile states. The supporting base can be firmly anchored when needed for stability, yet can be easily repositioned when relocation is required. This dynamic capability allows the system to provide stability during use while minimizing the time and effort needed for repositioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If a ball head is mounted on a flat surface, then positioning is enabled, but protruding elements of the ball head collide with or impede operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting capabilityVSAvoidcomponent operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the collision issue by creating a recessed area that provides vertical clearance for protruding elements. The mounting surface includes a recess that accommodates ball head components that extend below the mounting plane, allowing full operation of positioning mechanisms without interference from surrounding surfaces or structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 solution provides enhanced stability under vibration and movement while allowing for compact camera use in small spaces without hindrance, ensuring unimpeded operation of camera components that protrude below the mounting surface.

Implementation Method 1

a pliable stabilizing mass surrounding the mounting platform

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPliability: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11016369B2Camera supporting base
Publication Date: 2021.05.25 ELIAS JAMES HARRISON
  • US11016369B2 patent drawing
  • US11016369B2 patent drawing
  • US11016369B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A camera supporting base includes a mounting platform with a mounting surface, a lower surface, and a recess area. The mounting surface is raised above and non-coplanar with the lower surface of the mounting platform. The camera supporting base also includes a pliable mass surrounding the mounting platform. The mounting surface of the mounting platform is recessed below a highest contour of the pliable mass.