Magnetic Camera Mount With Multi-Point Angular Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera mounting systems lack ease of directional adjustability and flexibility in anchoring orientations, often requiring two hands and being time-consuming, with single attachment points limiting mounting options and potentially skewing the camera's angular orientation during adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic mounting device with multiple engaging locations on the camera housing, allowing bidirectional orthogonal adjustment of up to 50 degrees, enabling secure retention and easy repositioning of cameras in various orientations, including ceiling or tabletop mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a frictional clamp is used to lock the camera in a desired orientation, then the camera position can be retained securely, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and may unintentionally skew the camera's angular orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical frictional clamp system with a magnetic mounting system. The magnetic mount uses magnetic attraction forces to secure the camera to the mounting surface, eliminating the need for manual clamp engagement and disengagement. This allows for quick camera repositioning by simply moving the camera to a new location where it will be automatically secured by magnetic force, significantly reducing adjustment time while maintaining secure retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic mounting system provides self-service functionality where the camera automatically secures itself to the mounting surface through magnetic attraction when placed in the desired position. The system does not require manual operation of clamps or locks - the user simply positions the camera and the magnetic force automatically retains it, making the adjustment process both faster and more reliable.
2Device complexity
If a single mount attachment point is used on the camera, then the mounting device structure is simplified, but the possible locations and orientations for mounting are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mounting system into two independent components: a magnetic mount that attaches to the mounting surface and a camera that attaches to the magnetic mount. This segmentation allows the camera to be positioned at multiple locations on the magnetic mount surface, providing various mounting orientations and locations without complicating the overall structure. The magnetic mount surface can be positioned anywhere on the camera housing, creating multiple effective attachment points.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic mounting system provides universal mounting capability by allowing the camera to be secured in multiple orientations and positions. The magnetic mount surface can accommodate cameras at different angles and locations, making the system adaptable to various mounting surfaces (walls, ceilings, tables) and orientations without requiring different mounting hardware for each configuration.
3Reliability
If a frictional clamp mechanism is used for mounting, then the camera can be securely held, but repositioning requires two hands and sequential operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual frictional clamp mechanism with a magnetic retention system. Instead of requiring hands to operate clamps and locks, the magnetic mount uses magnetic field forces to secure the camera. Repositioning is achieved by simply moving the camera to a new position on the magnetic mount surface or detaching and reattaching to a different magnetic mount, which is a single-handed operation that is both easier and faster than manipulating clamp 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 magnetic mounting system provides secure, adjustable, and versatile camera positioning, allowing for expanded field of view options with ease of use, eliminating the need for complex adjustments and multiple hands, and accommodating various mounting surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The mounting surface of the mount is configured to selectively and alternatively magnetically engage any one of the plurality of the mount engaging locations on the housing to securely retain the housing on the mount
Data Source
AI summary
A directionally adjustable magnetic mounting system is disclosed for use with a small electronic device such as a wireless camera. The mounting system includes a camera mount having a mounting surface configured to selectively and alternatively magnetically engage any one of a plurality of mount engaging locations on the electronic device in an angular orientation that is variable relative to a longitudinal centerline of the camera mount. Also disclosed is a method of using the mounting system.