Magnetic Camera Mount Assembly for Outdoor Waterproof Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing outdoor smart devices, such as network-connected cameras, face challenges in securely mounting to various outdoor surfaces and operating reliably under severe weather conditions like rain, snow, and direct sun exposure.

Innovation Solution

A camera assembly with a magnet mount and optional mounting structure that allows adjustable orientation, combined with waterproof features like USB connectors and speakers, and a power adapter with AC/DC conversion, ensuring secure attachment and protection from environmental factors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a magnetic mounting mechanism is used to attach the camera to outdoor surfaces, then the ease of installation and adaptability to different surfaces is improved, but the reliability and firmness of attachment under severe weather conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidattachment firmness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is divided into separate magnetic components: a magnetic plate attached to the camera housing and a magnetic mounting base fixed to the surface. This segmentation allows the camera to be easily attached and detached while maintaining secure mounting through the magnetic attraction force between the separated components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic mounting base incorporates a substantially spherical ball element that works with a corresponding socket to provide adjustable angular orientation. This spherical mechanism allows the camera to be positioned at various angles while maintaining firm attachment through the combination of magnetic force and mechanical constraint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the camera is designed with adjustable orientation capability, then the adaptability to different mounting locations is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveorientation adjustabilityVSAvoidmounting mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A spherical ball element in the magnetic mounting base interfaces with a corresponding socket to enable smooth angular adjustment of the camera orientation. The spherical geometry naturally provides multi-directional movement capability while keeping the mechanism simple and maintenance-free.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic mounting system replaces complex mechanical fastening mechanisms with magnetic attraction forces. The camera housing includes a magnetic plate that is attracted to the magnetic mounting base, eliminating the need for screws, clips, or other mechanical attachment components while providing secure mounting.

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

3Ease of operation

If the camera housing is made non-magnetic for magnetic mounting, then the ease of mounting is improved, but the structural strength and durability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting easeVSAvoidhousing strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic mounting function is separated from the camera housing structure. A magnetic plate is attached to the exterior surface of the housing, allowing the main housing to be made from strong, non-magnetic materials like aluminum or aluminum alloy without compromising structural integrity. The magnetic plate serves solely as a mounting interface component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The camera housing combines non-magnetic structural materials (such as aluminum or aluminum alloy) with a magnetic plate component. This composite approach allows the housing to maintain its strength and durability from the non-magnetic material while the attached magnetic plate enables easy magnetic mounting to surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution provides a compact, robust, and reliable mounting system for outdoor smart devices, enabling them to operate effectively in harsh weather conditions while preventing water damage.

Implementation Method 1

The magnet mount includes a magnetic material disposed between the first and second surfaces. The magnetic material is configured to magnetically couple to the magnetic material of the camera module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The matte coating is configured to dissipate heat from the electronic components housed within the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3952273B1Camera assembly
Publication Date: 2024.12.18 GOOGLE LLC
  • EP3952273B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3952273B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3952273B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This application is directed to a waterproof power adapter, which includes: a waterproof housing enclosing an AC to DC converter having an AC power supply input and a DC power supply output; a fixed, waterproof AC power connection for coupling an external power supply to the AC power supply input; a female connector, a portion of which is coupled within the housing to the DC power supply output, and an exposed portion of which is configured to couple a DC voltage provided at the DC power supply output to a complementary and separate male connector, the exposed portion being exposed when not coupled to the male connector; a sealing structure configured to engage with a cover of the male connector in a sealed position to provide a waterproof environment; and a locking mechanism configured to releasably tighten and lock the cover of the male connector in the sealed position.