Flexible Magnetic Camera Mount for Interchangeable Accessories

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current camera accessory attachment mechanisms are cumbersome, often requiring bulky straps, are not interchangeable between different camera makes, and limit the attachment of multiple peripheral devices to a single camera element.

Innovation Solution

A camera accessory mounting element with a flexible body and magnetic attachment elements that can deform to fit various camera components, allowing multiple peripheral devices to be attached simultaneously, including a light directing device with a frustoconical hollow body and other attachments like grids and filters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If rigid attachment mechanisms are used for specific camera makes, then attachment strength is improved, but interchangeability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidinterchangeability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting element is designed with a universal interface that can attach to multiple types of camera components (lenses, flash equipment, microphones) from different manufacturers. The flexible body with opening configuration allows it to accommodate various shapes and sizes while maintaining secure attachment through magnetic and friction forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting element utilizes magnetic field strength as a controllable parameter to achieve secure attachment. By incorporating magnets within the flexible body, the attachment mechanism can generate sufficient holding force across different camera components without requiring rigid, manufacturer-specific designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple attachment mechanisms are used for different camera components, then compatibility is improved, but device complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting element combines multiple attachment functions into a single device. The flexible body incorporates both mechanical friction attachment (through the opening configuration) and magnetic attachment (through embedded magnets), allowing one component to secure multiple different types of camera accessories simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

A single mounting element design serves multiple camera components including lenses, flash equipment, and microphones. The universal interface and flexible construction eliminate the need for separate attachment mechanisms for each component type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If one device is attached to a camera element at a time, then attachment reliability is improved, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidsetup efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting element enables multiple peripheral devices to be attached simultaneously to a single camera component. The flexible body with its opening configuration and magnetic attachment system can hold multiple devices (e.g., filters, diffusers, light directors) at the same time, eliminating sequential attachment requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Strength

If straps are used for attaching peripheral devices, then attachment strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidease of use

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting element replaces traditional mechanical strap-based attachment systems with a magnetic field-based attachment mechanism. The magnets embedded in the flexible body generate holding force without requiring straps, buckles, or complex mechanical fasteners, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining secure attachment.

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

Enables easy, robust, and interchangeable attachment of multiple peripheral devices to various camera components, improving user convenience and versatility without the need for bulky straps.

Implementation Method 1

The attachment element may be a magnetic element and the magnetic element may be used for holding the peripheral device to the camera accessory mounting element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The body may be configured to flexibly deform

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11079663B1Element for modular attachment of camera accessories

Publication Date: 2021.08.03 MGMD BRAINPOWER LLC

AI summary

A camera accessory mounting element includes attachment elements configured to mount to a component of a camera, such as a lens or a flash device. One or more peripheral devices may be attached to the camera accessory mounting element using attachment elements such as magnets. Peripheral devices include a grid, a light directing dish, a lens hood, a lens adaptor, a step-ring, a lens filter, a lens extension tubes, a light diffusers, a light filter, and a light directing device.