Camera Swivel Mechanism With Wedge Locking for Easy Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bullet-shaped surveillance cameras require complex and tool-dependent adjustments for precise positioning, which is cumbersome and prone to errors, especially in hard-to-reach locations, and lacks reliable stability under environmental stressors like vibration and wind.
Innovation Solution
A swivel mechanism with a base and back cover that allows for three-axis adjustment (pan, tilt, roll) using a coupling nut for provisional locking and a wedge mechanism for secure clamping with a single fixation screw, enabling easy alignment and maintaining orientation under stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single screw locking mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates because tool-dependent iterative alignment becomes necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into two distinct functions: a coupling nut for provisional locking that enables tool-free manual adjustment, and a fixation screw for final secure locking. This segmentation allows the user to first align the camera freely using the coupling nut, then lock the position with the fixation screw, eliminating the need for tool-dependent iterative adjustments while keeping each individual locking element simple
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling nut performs preliminary locking action that secures the camera head in the desired position before final locking. This preliminary action allows the user to achieve proper alignment without tools, then the fixation screw is used to permanently secure this pre-aligned position, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and ease of operation
2Ease of manufacture
If manual positioning with tool dependency is required, then the manufacturing precision is simplified, but the productivity deteriorates due to multiple installation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into two independently manufacturable components: the coupling nut for provisional securing and the fixation screw for final locking. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured using standard, simple processes while enabling a two-stage installation procedure that dramatically improves productivity by allowing quick preliminary alignment followed by secure locking
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling nut is designed to be manually operated without tools, allowing installers to perform preliminary alignment and locking themselves. This self-service capability eliminates the need for specialized tools during installation, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while significantly accelerating the installation process
3Device complexity
If a single screw is used for locking, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates under environmental stressors like vibration and wind
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented into two stages: provisional locking by the coupling nut and final secure locking by the fixation screw. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both simplicity and reliability, as the fixation screw provides robust anchoring against environmental stressors like vibration and wind, while the overall mechanism remains simple with only two locking elements
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling nut performs preliminary locking that secures the camera head in position before final locking with the fixation screw. This preliminary action ensures the camera is properly positioned and pre-secured, and the subsequent fixation screw locking provides reliable long-term stability under environmental stress, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability
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
Simplifies camera installation and alignment by allowing manual pre-fixation and secure locking with minimal tools, providing infinite position resolution and stability across all axes, even under environmental stress.
Implementation Method 1
the wedge mechanism transforms the screw tightening clamp load from the axial direction into axial load along the pan axis
Implementation Method 2
a fixation screw configured to generate, upon tightening, a clamping force
Data Source
AI summary
A swivel mechanism (200) for orientating a camera includes a base (8) configured to attach to a support structure; a wedge mechanism comprising a first wedge (5) and a second wedge (6) each having an inclined surface (5d, 6b) on one side, wherein the inclined surface of the first wedge (5d) is arranged on the inclined surface of the second wedge (6b), a back cover (1) configured to receive a camera head (100), the back cover (1) arranged at a side of the swivel mechanism (200) opposite to the base (8) in a direction of a pan axis (A1), wherein the back cover (1) comprises a joint member (1a) connected to the wedge mechanism; a housing (40), arranged in the direction of the pan axis (A1) between the base (8) and the back cover (1), wherein the housing (40) encloses the joint member (1a) and the wedge mechanism.