Modular Floodlight Camera Mount With 3-Axis Articulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional security systems with floodlights and cameras often have limited field of view and articulation, leading to blind spots and reduced customizability, which compromises their effectiveness in detecting motion and providing wide illumination.

Innovation Solution

A modular floodlight system with a magnetic mount allowing 3-axis articulation of a camera device, passive infrared sensors for expanded motion detection, and a power supply unit powering both the floodlights and camera, enabling easy installation and interchangeability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a security camera is mounted on a wall with limited field of view, then the camera can be installed in standard locations, but blind areas are created where motion cannot be detected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera installationVSAvoidmotion detection coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides motion detection into multiple zones using multiple PIR sensors positioned at different angles, with each sensor covering a specific sector. This segmentation eliminates blind spots while maintaining simple wall mounting installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If a security camera has limited articulation, then the device structure is simple, but camera orientation customization is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidcamera orientation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical articulation mechanisms with a magnetic mounting system that allows the camera module to be freely positioned and oriented on the housing surface. The magnetic attachment provides both structural simplicity and orientation versatility without requiring motors, gears, or complex joints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Area of stationary object

If multiple PIR sensors are added to expand motion detection, then coverage area increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion detection coverageVSAvoidsensor system
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The multiple PIR sensors serve dual functions: they collectively provide expanded motion detection coverage across different zones, and individually can trigger independent floodlight responses. This multi-functionality increases coverage area while managing complexity through standardized sensor integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Use of energy by moving object

If floodlights are activated only within camera field of view, then power consumption is reduced, but blind areas remain uncovered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsecurity coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically controls floodlight activation based on which PIR sensor detects motion. Each PIR sensor is associated with specific floodlight groups, and activation is dynamically adjusted according to the detection zone. This ensures comprehensive coverage while optimizing power consumption by activating only the necessary floodlights.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 modular design provides enhanced motion detection capabilities, user-friendly installation, and adjustable camera positioning, ensuring comprehensive coverage and effective activation of floodlights and camera recording without blind spots.

Implementation Method 1

a magnet mount assembly attached to the first end of the main housing... a magnet providing a magnetic force configured to act on a metal part of the camera device to magnetically secure the camera device to the magnet mount

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4065881B1Modular floodlight system
Publication Date: 2023.11.01 GOOGLE LLC
  • EP4065881B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4065881B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4065881B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This document describes techniques directed to a modular floodlight system (100). The modular floodlight system (100) includes a floodlight device (102) having a main housing (110) that supports multiple floodlights (106) and a modular camera device (104). The main housing (110) includes a magnetic mount (122) that magnetically secures the camera device (104) to a mounting surface and enables 3-axis articulation of the camera device (104) relative to the main housing (110). The main housing (110) also includes a power supply unit (114) that supplies electrical power to the camera device (104) and the floodlights (106). In aspects, the floodlights (106) are assembled to opposing sides of the main housing (110). In addition, the main housing (110) includes passive infrared sensors (112) that expand and supplement motion-detection capabilities of the camera device (104). The modular aspect of the modular floodlight system (100) enables the camera device (104) to be easily replaced with another modular device, simplifies installation for consumers, and increases an ability of the modular floodlight system to be reworked.