Magnetic Camera Mount and Lens Cap for Secure Video Conferencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current videoconferencing systems face challenges with low-resolution cameras, complex setup of high-end cameras, and security issues due to the lack of integrated lens covers and incompatible camera stands, which hinder efficient and secure high-quality video conferencing, especially in professional settings.
Innovation Solution
A camera system that integrates magnets for secure coupling with a stand and lens cap, allowing for rapid attachment and detachment using ferromagnetic materials, and includes a tilt hinge for adjustable positioning, enhancing security and usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If magnetic coupling is used to attach lens cap and stand, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may worsen due to potential detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical attachment mechanisms (screws, clips, or adhesive bonds) with a magnetic coupling system. Magnets embedded in the camera housing attract ferromagnetic materials in the lens cap and stand, enabling tool-free attachment and detachment while maintaining secure connection during use.
2Device complexity
If integrated magnet system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (lens cap, stand, and camera body) into an integrated system through magnetic coupling. The magnets are embedded directly into the camera housing during manufacturing, combining the attachment mechanism with the main body structure. This reduces the number of separate parts and assembly steps while requiring precise magnet placement during manufacturing.
3Reliability
If lens cap is magnetically coupled to front face, then security is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to attachment force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies magnetic coupling selectively at specific locations: magnets are embedded in the camera housing at the front face (for lens cap attachment) and at the bottom surface (for stand attachment). The magnetic force is concentrated at these local points, providing secure attachment where needed while allowing easy manual removal when necessary.
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 system enables secure, easy, and flexible high-quality video conferencing by ensuring stable magnetic coupling of the camera to various stands and lens caps, reducing setup complexity and enhancing camera security and positioning.
Implementation Method 1
A camera integrates a magnet in an opening of a bottom surface that accepts a stand member having a ferromagnetic material so that magnetic attraction couples the camera to the stand
Implementation Method 2
A lens cap couples to a front face of the camera over a lens by magnetic attraction of one or more magnets integrated in the camera front face and ferromagnetic material integrated in the lens cap
Data Source
AI summary
A camera built into a cylindrical housing couples to a stand with a stand member that inserts into an opening having a magnet attracted to ferromagnetic material integrated in the stand member. The stand member may couple to a bracket that holds the camera at a display or to a tripod that places the camera between the display and an end user participating in a video conference. A lens cover couples over a front face of the camera with magnetic attraction and is stored at a rear face of the camera with magnetic attraction. In various embodiments, sensors detect lens cap and/or stand member position to control camera power and/or camera visual image capture operations.