Foldable Camera Mount With Tool-Free Rotating Side Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing L-shaped quick-release plates for cameras with foldable screens face interference issues during horizontal shooting, and their rotation mechanisms often require tools for unlocking and locking, making them cumbersome for quick operation.
Innovation Solution
A foldable mounting device with a base plate and a side plate, featuring a locking member that can be operated via an exposed operation part to switch between locked and unlocked states, allowing the side plate to be rotated relative to the base plate without the need for tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an L-shaped quick-release plate with a rotatable side plate is used to enable switching between horizontal and vertical shooting modes, then the adaptability for different shooting orientations is improved, but the device complexity increases and tools are needed for locking and unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is divided into two main segments: a base plate and a side plate connected at a rotation connecting part. This segmentation allows independent movement and locking of each component, enabling simple rotation between shooting modes without complex integrated mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex tool-based locking mechanism, the patent inverts the approach by using a tool-free quick-release system where the mounting device itself becomes the locking mechanism through the locking member that engages with positioning openings
2Reliability
If a tool-based locking mechanism is used to secure the side plate to the base plate, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for tools
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is designed to be self-sufficient with an integrated locking mechanism that does not require external tools. The locking member with operation part allows users to lock and unlock the connection by simply pressing the operation part, making the system serve itself without additional tools
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical tool-based locking systems with a simplified mechanical press-button locking mechanism. The locking member translates linear movement into rotational locking through the guide surface and stop surface, substituting tool-based operations with direct manual pressure
3Device complexity
If the locking member is completely enclosed within the base plate, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation worsens as the operation part becomes inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is nested within the base plate structure, with its body received in an accommodation slot and operation part extending through a slot opening. This nested design allows the locking mechanism to be compact while maintaining accessibility of the operation part from the exterior
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 device enables convenient and quick switching between horizontal and vertical shooting modes without tool interference, improving operational efficiency and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a restoring member which is connected between the locking member and the base plate and configured to return the locking member from the unlocked state to the locked state
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable mounting device for a photographing device includes a base plate, a side plate, and a locking member. The base plate includes a connecting end defining an accommodation slot and a connecting opening. The connecting opening passes through a side of the base plate, the accommodation slot includes a slot opening passing through another side of the base plate. The side plate is connected to the connecting end. The locking member slidably received in the accommodation slot includes a locking part and an operation part. The operation part is received in the slot opening. The locking member is operatable to move from a locked state in which the locking part passes through the connecting opening to engage with the side plate to an unlocked state in which the locking part is disengaged from the side plate and the side plate is rotatable relative to the base plate.