Locking Adapter Mechanism for Secure Image Capture Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capture apparatuses offer limited compatibility and stability in connecting to a variety of surfaces and accessories, leading to inadvertent disconnection issues.
Innovation Solution
An adapter with a locking mechanism that allows for reconfigurable engagement and secure connection to image capture apparatuses, featuring movable latch members and a locking mechanism that can be positioned between unlocked and locked positions, ensuring secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple connection mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of connection is worsened leading to inadvertent disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism incorporates movable latch members that can dynamically transition between engaged and disengaged states, allowing the system to adapt between secure connection and easy release based on operational needs
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components including latch members, locking mechanism elements, and detent structures, each performing a specific function to collectively enhance connection reliability
2Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed connection configuration is used, then the stability of connection is improved, but the adaptability to different surfaces and accessories is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter body is designed with a standardized interface that can universally connect to various surfaces and accessories, while the reconfigurable latch mechanism provides multiple engagement modes to accommodate different connection requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The latch members can be repositioned between different configurations, enabling the same adapter structure to adapt to different mounting surfaces and accessory types while maintaining stable connection
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added, then the reliability of connection is improved, but the device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism incorporates spring-loaded detents that automatically engage with corresponding features on the adapter body, providing self-actuating locking action that enhances reliability without requiring complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The detent structure serves as an intermediary element between the locking mechanism and the adapter body, mediating the locking action through simple geometric engagement that maintains structural simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter for use with an image capture apparatus that includes: a body; latch members; and a locking mechanism. The latch members are movable in relation to the body such that the adapter is reconfigurable between an engaged configuration, in which the latch members are positioned for engagement with the image capture apparatus to thereby releasably connect the adapter to the image capture apparatus, and a disengaged configuration, in which the latch members are positioned to permit disconnection of the adapter from the image capture apparatus. The locking mechanism is rotatably or axially repositionable between an unlocked position, in which the locking mechanism accommodates movement of the latch members to thereby permit reconfiguration of the adapter between the engaged configuration and the disengaged configuration, and a locked position, in which the locking mechanism blocks movement of the latch members to thereby secure the adapter in the engaged configuration.