Lever-Actuated Camera Coupler for Secure Quick Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current connection mechanisms for image capture devices and accessories are cumbersome and require significant dexterity, making them difficult to use effectively.
Innovation Solution
A coupler (mount) that includes a shaft for insertion into the image capture device and accessory, and a lever that allows for repositioning between unlocked, locked, disengaged, and engaged positions, simplifying the connection and disconnection process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional connection mechanisms are used to secure image capture devices and accessories, then the connection can be achieved, but the operation becomes cumbersome and requires significant dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler employs a dynamic lever mechanism that can pivot between multiple positions (unlocked, locked, disengaged, engaged) to transform the connection process from a complex manual manipulation into a simple single-motion operation. The lever's pivotal movement dynamically adjusts the shaft's position and engagement state, making the operation intuitive and easy to perform.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a shaft for insertion, a lever for operation, and defined positions (unlocked/locked, disengaged/engaged). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall operation while maintaining security.
2Reliability
If a secure connection mechanism is implemented, then the fixation of image capture device and accessory is ensured, but the operation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler design allows the lever's pivotal movement to automatically drive the shaft into the engaged or disengaged position without requiring additional manual manipulation. The mechanism self-regulates the engagement state based on the lever's position, ensuring secure fixation while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft is pre-configured with engagement features that automatically interact with the accessory when the lever is moved to the engaged position. The preliminary design of the shaft's geometry and engagement surfaces ensures that secure fixation is achieved automatically as part of the simple lever operation, rather than requiring separate securing steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupler (mount) is disclosed that is configured to releasably connect an image capture device and an accessory. The coupler includes a shaft and a lever that is operatively connected to the shaft, and is repositionable between unlocked and locked positions as well as between disengaged and engaged positions. When the coupler is in the unlocked positioned, the image capture device and the accessory are movable in relation to each other, and when the coupler is in the locked positioned, the image capture device and the accessory are fixed in relation to each other. When the coupler is in the disengaged position, the shaft is removable from the image capture device and the accessory, and when the coupler is in the engaged position, the shaft is non-removable from the image capture device and the accessory.