Flexible Auxiliary Lens Mounting for Portable Cameras
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auxiliary lens positioning systems for portable cameras are either proprietary, cumbersome, time-consuming to set up, or risk damaging the camera, and fail to provide quick adjustability and portability while maintaining secure camera handling.
Innovation Solution
A flexible auxiliary lens positioning system with a base member, elongate flexible member, and retention mechanism that allows for easy attachment and positioning of auxiliary lenses on portable cameras, using ball and socket segments for alignment and adjustable clamping to accommodate various camera form factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a proprietary housing with built-in lens is used, then the camera gains auxiliary lens capability, but the device becomes incompatible with other camera models and blocks access to camera controls
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary lens system is separated from the camera body into a removable attachment that couples to the existing camera. The base member with aperture allows the auxiliary lens to be mounted independently without integrating into the camera housing, preserving access to all camera controls and buttons while providing auxiliary lens functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The base member with aperture and coupling mechanism is designed to be universally compatible with multiple camera models. Rather than creating a proprietary housing for a specific camera model, the system provides a standardized interface that can accommodate various camera form factors, allowing the same auxiliary lens attachment to work across different devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a clamping mechanism with rigging structure is used, then the auxiliary lens can be positioned, but the setup becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The elongate flexible member is pre-configured with ball and socket segments that enable automatic alignment when the auxiliary lens attachment is coupled to the camera. The retention member with threaded protrusion is designed to engage with the camera's existing aperture, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual adjustment of multiple screws and knobs during setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongate flexible member with ball and socket segments provides dynamic adjustability, allowing the auxiliary lens to be positioned at various angles and orientations. This flexible structure enables quick adaptation to different positioning needs without requiring complex rigid rigging structures with multiple adjustment points.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a barrel clamp is used, then the auxiliary lens can be attached, but the camera lens may be damaged through repetitive use
Solution Approach 1:
The base member with aperture serves as an intermediary structure that couples to the camera's existing aperture rather than clamping directly onto the camera lens barrel. This intermediate attachment point distributes mechanical stress away from the delicate lens elements, preventing damage from repetitive attachment and removal cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is segmented into a base member that couples to the camera body and an auxiliary lens member that attaches to the base member. This segmentation isolates the camera lens from direct mechanical contact with the clamping mechanism, protecting it from damage while still enabling secure auxiliary lens attachment.
Data Source
AI summary
An auxiliary lens positioning system for use with portable cameras is disclosed which includes a base member, an elongate flexible member, a lens mounting flange, an auxiliary lens and a retention member. The elongate flexible member extends from one end of the base member and includes a lens mounting flange at the opposing end. The auxiliary lens may be either removably coupled to the lens mounting flange of the elongate flexible member or permanently coupled therewith. The elongate flexible member may comprise a plurality of interconnected ball and socket segments. The base member may further include a first and second clamping member for engaging the external surfaces of a portable camera.