Adaptable Camera Mount With Flexible Hinge For Varying Rod Diameters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mount systems for attaching electronic devices like cameras to rods of varying diameters require multiple mounts and suffer from decreased adhesive force as pipe diameter increases, limiting adaptability and stability.

Innovation Solution

A flexible hinge with interchangeable connecting links and adjustable spindle rods, combined with damping elements and a ball socket mechanism, allows for adaptable attachment to different diameters and reduces vibrations, using high-quality materials like aluminum for enhanced stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed-diameter mount is used, then the mount can be simple in structure, but it cannot adapt to different pipe diameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different pipe diametersVSAvoidmount structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mount employs a flexible hinge that allows the clamp elements to dynamically adjust their spacing to accommodate different pipe diameters. The hinge enables the mount to flex and adapt its shape, transforming a rigid structure into a dynamic one that can conform to various sizes without requiring multiple fixed-diameter models.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mount is divided into separate clamp elements connected by a flexible hinge, allowing independent adjustment of each segment. This segmentation enables the mount to adapt to different diameters by adjusting the spacing between segments while maintaining a single unified structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If adhesive is used to attach the mount to the pipe, then the attachment can be simple, but the adhesive force decreases as pipe diameter increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive forceVSAvoideffectiveness across different pipe diameters
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mount changes the contact parameter from a fixed adhesive surface to an adjustable mechanical clamping force. By using a flexible hinge and adjustable clamp elements, the mount can maintain optimal contact pressure and clamping force across different pipe diameters, overcoming the limitation of adhesive force degradation on larger diameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple mounts are provided for different pipe diameters, then each mount can be optimized for its specific diameter, but the quantity of mounts required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidnumber of mounts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The mount achieves multi-functionality by incorporating a flexible hinge and adjustable clamp elements that allow a single mount design to serve multiple pipe diameters. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized mounts while maintaining optimized attachment stability across different sizes through adjustable mechanical clamping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Strength

If the contact surface of the bracket on the pipe is reduced, then the mount can be smaller, but the adhesive force decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive forceVSAvoidcontact surface area
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The mount replaces the adhesive bonding system with a mechanical clamping system. Instead of relying on adhesive force distributed over a contact surface, the flexible hinge and clamp elements create concentrated mechanical clamping forces that are more effective and maintainable across different pipe diameters, eliminating the trade-off between contact area and bonding strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 a highly adaptable and stable attachment system for electronic devices on rods of diverse diameters, ensuring secure fastening and effective vibration damping across various applications, such as extreme sports and sailing.

Implementation Method 1

A damping element is advantageously arranged on the inside of a clamp element. In this way, vibrations of the rod can be dampened.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP2912362B1Mount, and set comprising a mount
Publication Date: 2017.12.27 TORMAXX
  • EP2912362B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2912362B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2912362B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a mount for electric devices, in particular cameras such as action cameras, as well as to sets comprising such a mount.