Adjustable Headgear Mount with Pneumatic Bladder for Camera Angle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions fail to provide a versatile and adjustable hands-free mounting system for mobile media devices like cameras, which can accommodate various head sizes and allow for adjustable camera angles for capturing events effectively.
Innovation Solution
A headgear system featuring an adjustable band with a secure mount and a pocket with hinged side panels and a bladder for adjusting the camera angle, allowing the device to be positioned from horizontal to vertical and accommodating different device thicknesses and head sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-size camera mount is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate various head sizes or adjustable camera angles
Solution Approach 1:
The pocket incorporates a bladder that can be inflated or deflated to dynamically adjust the pocket's shape and angle, allowing the camera to be positioned at different angles (e.g., pointing downward for first-person view or horizontally for side view) while maintaining a secure fit for various head sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The camera is nested within a pocket that is itself integrated into the headgear band. The pocket contains the camera and provides a secure enclosure, while the bladder is nested within the pocket structure to provide angle adjustment. This nested arrangement allows multiple functions (mounting, securing, angle adjustment) within a compact integrated structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If the camera mount is made secure and adjustable, then hands-free operation is effective, but the device may not accommodate different device thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The pocket is designed with specific local characteristics including a flap with Velcro® attachment means at its free end, allowing the flap to be positioned at different locations along the pocket opening. This local adjustability enables the pocket to securely accommodate cameras of various thicknesses while maintaining reliable mounting through the Velcro® fastening system
3Ease of operation
If the pocket is made rigid to secure the device, then the device is held firmly, but the camera angle cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The pocket transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamically adjustable structure through the bladder. When the bladder is inflated, it changes the pocket's shape and angle while the Velcro® flap maintains device security. This allows the pocket to simultaneously provide firm holding (through Velcro®) and angle adjustment (through bladder inflation)
Solution Approach 2:
The bladder utilizes pneumatic pressure (air or fluid) to adjust the pocket's shape and angle. By controlling the pressure within the bladder, the camera angle can be precisely adjusted while the pocket maintains sufficient structure to securely hold the device through the Velcro® flap mechanism
Data Source
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AI summary
Headgear for mounting a camera or other mobile media device is disclosed. The head gear includes a band for circling the head and means for enlarging or decreasing the diameter of the band to make it adjustable for various head sizes. A head mount is secured to the band for holding the device. The mount includes an enclosure with a flap for closing a pocket. The flap is secured to the mount proximate the head and folds over the front of the mount and is secured thereto to maintain the device in the pocket. The front of the pocket contains openings which are aligned with the lens of the held device to focus and record events in front of the user. The pocket has hinged side panels to allow expansion and contraction, caused by a bladder within, so that the camera may be pointed at a desired angle by the mount, thereby achieving the desired angle of view of the camera.