Elastic Camera Mount for Quick Battery and Cable Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera mounts for compact cameras, designed for sports videography, are rigid and cumbersome, making it difficult to access battery compartments and cable sockets, which is a hindrance in non-sports applications where quick access and re-securing are necessary.
Innovation Solution
A camera mount with an elastic retaining component that can be quickly released for access to compartments and re-engages securely when the camera is replaced, featuring a tray component with hooks and a strap-like retaining component with pull-tabs and relief features to facilitate easy attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional fully-enveloping mounting units are used to ensure rigid mounting of compact cameras, then mounting stability is improved, but access to battery compartments and cable sockets becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting unit is divided into a rigid tray component for stable mounting and a separate elastic retaining component for securing the camera. This segmentation allows the rigid portion to provide stability while the elastic portion can be easily manipulated for quick access to camera compartments.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining component transitions from a rigid structure to an elastic material, changing the physical parameter of flexibility. This allows the retaining component to be easily deformed for quick release while maintaining secure holding when engaged, resolving the contradiction between stable mounting and easy access.
2Reliability
If conventional tightly-fitted mounts are used for secure camera attachment, then mounting reliability is improved, but removal and re-insertion of the camera becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining component is designed as a dynamic elastic element that can quickly transition between engaged and disengaged states. When force is applied to the pull-tab, the elastic material dynamically deforms to release the camera, and automatically returns to its original shape to re-secure the camera, enabling rapid removal and re-insertion while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic retaining component with pull-tab mechanism allows the user to quickly release the camera by simply pulling the tab, without needing to manipulate complex fastening mechanisms. The elastic material itself provides the securing force, making the system self-servicing and reducing the time required for camera removal and re-insertion.
3Ease of operation
If elastic retaining components are used for quick release, then ease of operation is improved, but mounting rigidity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting unit is segmented into a rigid tray component that provides structural strength and mounting rigidity, and a separate elastic retaining component that provides quick release capability. By dividing the functions between these two components, the system achieves both mounting rigidity and ease of operation without compromising either property.
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 rapid removal and re-securing of compact cameras, allowing for easy maintenance and quick re-deployment, while maintaining secure attachment to support mounts, and includes features to prevent unwanted activation of camera controls and block stray light.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic retaining member fastened to the tray such that it arches over the tray cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A camera mount includes a lower mount component comprising a rigid tray; and an elastic retaining member fastened to the tray such that it arches over the tray cavity. The elastic retaining member includes a first relief indentation to prevent the elastic retaining member from causing unwanted interaction with a camera.