Pivoting Camera Mount Assembly for Flexible Facility Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera mounting systems in materials handling facilities are rigid and inflexible, limiting the ability to adjust camera angles and positions to effectively cover specific areas, especially when mounted on ceilings or walls, due to geographic or structural constraints.
Innovation Solution
The development of pivotable camera mounts with pairs of arms that can be configured to pivot and adjust to various angles and orientations, allowing for flexible mounting on ceilings, walls, or other fixtures, enabling precise alignment and positioning of camera assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid camera mounting system is used, then the structural stability is improved, but the adjustability of camera angles and positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the rigid mounting system into a dynamic one with multiple degrees of freedom. The camera mount includes pivotable joints that allow the camera to be adjusted in multiple directions (pan, tilt, and rotation) while maintaining structural stability when positioned. This enables the system to adapt to different viewing angles and positions without compromising its structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is segmented into multiple independent components with separate degrees of freedom. The camera mount is divided into a base, intermediate sections with pivot joints, and a camera holder, each capable of independent movement. This segmentation allows flexible adjustment of camera angles and positions while maintaining overall structural stability through the interconnected rigid segments.
2Ease of manufacture
If individual mounts with fixed positions are used, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through pivot joints and degree-of-freedom mechanisms that allow operators to easily reposition the camera in multiple directions. These mechanical features enable smooth, tool-free or minimal-tool adjustment while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process using standard mechanical components.
3Reliability
If geographic or structural constraints are considered, then the mounting reliability is improved, but the adaptability to different locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by allowing the mounting system to accommodate various installation parameters including different ceiling heights, wall positions, and angular orientations. The multiple degrees of freedom enable the system to adapt to different geographic and structural constraints at various installation locations while maintaining reliable mounting through standardized attachment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera mounting system is designed with universal adaptability to work with different ceiling types, wall surfaces, and structural configurations. The standardized base mounting interface and flexible positioning capabilities allow the same mount to be reliably installed in diverse locations throughout a facility, accommodating various geographic and structural constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
A camera mount includes a pivotable assembly of a pair of arms and a pocket into which an end of one of the arms is inserted, in one of a plurality of discrete orientations. The arms are pivotably joined to one another by a fastener and permitted to be aligned at one of a plurality of angles. The camera mount is installed in a track, a rail or another system mounted to a fixture of a materials handling facility or another environment, and a camera module is mounted to another end of one of the arms. A position of the camera module is selected by installing the camera mount into a desired location on the track, the rail or the other system. An orientation of the camera module is selected by selecting the one of the plurality of discrete orientations and aligning the arms at one of the plurality of angles.