Magnetic Camera Mount With Auto-Locking Retainer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable cameras secured to clothing via magnetic brackets face issues with accidental detachment during use, limiting user mobility and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A wearable portable camera assembly featuring an inner and outer bracket that magnetically couple through a layer of material, with a movable retaining member that secures the camera to the outer bracket, preventing accidental detachment while allowing controlled release when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the camera is secured to the outer bracket using only magnetic coupling, then the camera can be easily attached and detached, but the camera may accidentally detach during use
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining member is designed to be movable between an engaged position (where it prevents camera detachment) and a disengaged position (where it allows easy removal). When the outer bracket is attached to the inner bracket, the retaining member automatically moves to the engaged position due to magnetic attraction, providing secure attachment. When the brackets are separated, the retaining member moves to the disengaged position, allowing easy camera removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the magnetic coupling force between the inner and outer brackets to automatically actuate the retaining member. The magnetic attraction that secures the brackets together also causes the retaining member to move into the engaged position, securing the camera without requiring separate user action. This self-actuating mechanism eliminates the need for additional controls or user intervention.
2Reliability
If a retaining member is added to prevent accidental detachment, then the camera security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining member is integrated into the outer bracket structure, sharing the same housing and magnetic coupling mechanism. The retaining member utilizes the existing magnetic field and structural elements of the outer bracket, rather than requiring a completely separate actuation system. This integration minimizes additional components while achieving the security function.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic coupling force that already exists in the system is used to automatically actuate the retaining member, eliminating the need for separate motors, springs, or manual controls. The system uses its own magnetic attraction force to secure both the bracket attachment and the camera retention functions simultaneously.
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 assembly provides secure attachment of the camera to clothing, ensuring user mobility and ease of detachment when required, enhancing usability and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
an outer bracket member that is magnetically attached to the inner bracket member such that, in use, the outer bracket member can be retained on an outside of an item (e.g. an article of clothing), by a magnetic force acting through a layer of material
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable portable camera assembly includes an inner bracket and an outer bracket that can be magnetically coupled to the inner bracket through a layer of material. A portable camera is releasably connected to the outer bracket. The portable camera assembly further includes a retainer that resists or prevents detachment of the portable camera from the outer bracket when the outer bracket is magnetically coupled to the inner bracket, but not when the outer bracket is not magnetically coupled to the inner bracket.