Inflatable Optic Carry Support for Stable Hands-Free Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for stabilizing and carrying optical devices, such as cameras and binoculars, are cumbersome, time-consuming to set up, and amplify user movements, leading to poor viewing experiences, especially when observing fast-moving subjects or in situations requiring frequent location changes.
Innovation Solution
A portable optic stabilizing carry device (POSC) that uses an inflatable design with adjustable straps and a tethering system, allowing for secure mounting of optical devices and minimizing erratic movements, while being lightweight, collapsible, and easily integrated with existing carry devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid support structure is used to stabilize the optical device, then the device stability is improved, but the user movements are transferred and amplified to the optical device resulting in poor viewing experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible inflatable membrane structure instead of rigid support components. The membrane can be inflated to provide support while maintaining flexibility to absorb and dampen user movements, preventing movement transfer to the optical device while still providing stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the support structure from rigid to flexible by using an inflatable membrane. By adjusting the inflation level, the support characteristics can be modified to optimize both stability and movement absorption, resolving the contradiction between firm support and movement isolation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a tripod or stand is used to stabilize the optical device, then the viewing stability is improved, but the setup time increases and mobility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the support structure directly into the wearable carrier device, eliminating the need for separate tripod assembly. The inflatable membrane is pre-integrated into the carrier body, allowing rapid deployment without complex assembly steps while maintaining viewing stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an inflatable membrane that can be quickly inflated and deflated to provide dynamic support as needed. This allows the device to transition rapidly between supported and portable states, reducing setup time while maintaining viewing stability when needed.
3Strength
If a rigid frame structure is used to support the optical device, then the structural strength is improved, but the device weight increases and storage convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy rigid frame structures with a lightweight flexible inflatable membrane. When inflated, the membrane provides sufficient structural support through air pressure rather than material strength, dramatically reducing device weight while maintaining the necessary support capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic pressure from the inflated membrane to provide structural support instead of relying on heavy rigid materials. The pressurized air within the membrane creates the necessary structural strength to support the optical device while keeping the overall device weight minimal.
4Stability of the object's composition
If multiple mechanical components are used to stabilize the optical device, then the stabilization capability is improved, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simple flexible inflatable membrane instead of multiple mechanical stabilization components. The membrane's flexibility and ability to conform to movement while providing support achieves stabilization with minimal complexity and fewer potential failure points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the stabilization function from complex mechanical components and integrates it into the flexible membrane structure itself. The membrane inherently provides stabilization through its flexible nature without requiring separate mechanical stabilization mechanisms.
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 POSC provides a stable and comfortable hands-free viewing experience, minimizing user movement transfer to optical devices, enabling quick repositioning and easy storage, and is suitable for various activities, including hunting and wildlife observation.
Implementation Method 1
In one embodiment the POSC is an inflatable which the user can inflate and deflate by way of a valve that provides access to an inner airtight chamber
Implementation Method 2
A user places his or her face, and or neck, and or upper body against an upper contour area and lower contour area which is designed to conform to the shape of the user
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for securing and stabilizing devices which is further attached to a user. The apparatus is contoured along a surface to conform to a user's surface anatomy about the face, neck and upper chest area. An article mounting area, which is roughly rectangular in shape is located along the top of the apparatus. In one embodiment articles such as binoculars or cameras, are secured to the apparatus by way of straps. Straps or webbing couple the apparatus to the user. In one embodiment multiple straps attached to the apparatus are further attached to the user about the head, neck and upper chest areas. In one embodiment the apparatus is inflatable.