Expansion Clamp Camera Mount for Vibration-Stable Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machine vision cameras face challenges in being mounted on moving parts with limited space, unusual angles, and harsh environments, leading to frequent adjustments and potential mechanical failure due to vibration and strain.
Innovation Solution
A mount system comprising a rectangular base, adjustable clamp discs, a tilting plate, and an expansion clamp with a tapered head screw and expandable mandrel, allowing for flexible positioning and secure attachment in inhospitable environments, using stainless steel for corrosion resistance and aluminum for strength, with dedicated fixtures and manufacturing processes for precision and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mounting methods are used on moving parts, then the camera can be attached, but the mount becomes loose and requires frequent adjustment due to vibration and strain
Solution Approach 1:
The mount system incorporates a dynamic expansion mechanism where the expansion clamp can adapt its clamping force in response to vibration and movement. The expandable mandrel allows the mount to dynamically adjust and maintain secure attachment despite changing operational conditions, preventing the mount from becoming loose over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the expansion clamp by expanding or contracting the mandrel to adjust clamping parameters. This allows the mount to optimize its attachment strength based on operational needs, maintaining reliability without requiring frequent manual adjustments.
2Reliability
If the moving parts operate in harsh environments, then the camera must be highly durable, but conventional mounts shake loose and require frequent adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion clamp features a nested structure where the expandable mandrel is contained within the clamp body. This nested design allows the complex expansion mechanism to be compact and integrated, providing enhanced security without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mount system is designed to be self-adjusting through its expansion mechanism, which can automatically compensate for vibration and environmental stress without requiring external intervention or frequent manual adjustments, thereby maintaining reliability in harsh conditions.
3Reliability
If the mount system provides secure attachment, then the camera remains stable, but the system becomes more complex with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The mount system merges multiple functions into integrated components. The expansion clamp combines clamping, expansion, and locking functions in a single integrated assembly, reducing the number of separate parts while maintaining camera stability and secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested structure of the expandable mandrel within the clamp body allows complex functionality to be achieved within a compact form factor, minimizing the space and component count required while ensuring reliable camera stabilization.
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 mount system provides stable, adjustable, and secure camera positioning without frequent adjustments, even in harsh environments, ensuring long-term reliability and versatility in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
an expansion clamp with a tapered head screw and expandable mandrel
Implementation Method 2
secure attachment in inhospitable environments
Implementation Method 3
using stainless steel for corrosion resistance
Data Source
AI summary
A mount system and method of manufacture for e.g. a machine vision camera is disclosed. The mount system comprises a rectangular base, a lower clamp disc, an upper clamp disc, a tilting plate, an expansion clamp, and an O-ring. The expansion clamp comprises a tapered head screw and an expandable mandrel, both typically made of stainless steel. The mount system facilitates improved machine vision by enabling effective mounting of machine vision cameras in smaller spaces and/or spaces requiring unusual angles and intricate positioning. The mount system is also advantageous in inhospitable environments having harsh environmental factors. The mount system is also easier for machine vision personnel to learn and understand.