Push-Button Swivel Ball Head Mount for One-Handed Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swivel ball head mounts for camera systems require two hands to lock and unlock, necessitating significant force and protruding knobs that complicate operation and storage.
Innovation Solution
A swivel ball head mount with a clamping mechanism controlled by single-finger push buttons and a gearing system, allowing for variable and continuous locking and unlocking of the swivel ball relative to the housing, eliminating the need for two hands and reducing protrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a knob screw mechanism is used to lock the ball joint, then the ball joint can be locked securely, but two hands are required to operate it and significant force must be applied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional manual knob screw mechanism with an electromagnetic locking system. A solenoid or electromagnetic actuator is used to generate the locking force, substituting the manual mechanical twisting action with an electromagnetic field that can be activated by a simple button press or switch, thereby reducing the operational complexity from requiring two hands to potentially one hand or even automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate electromagnetic actuator between the control input and the ball joint locking mechanism. This intermediary device converts a simple control signal (such as a button press) into the substantial mechanical force needed to lock the ball joint securely, allowing the user to operate the system with minimal effort and fewer hands.
2Reliability
If a knob screw mechanism is used to lock the ball joint, then the ball joint can be locked securely, but significant force must be applied to turn the knob
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical twisting action of the knob screw with an electromagnetic actuator that generates the necessary locking force electronically. This substitution eliminates the need for the user to apply significant rotational force to the knob, as the electromagnetic field directly produces the clamping force on the ball joint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter from manual rotational force (torque applied to the knob) to an electromagnetic control signal. By altering the fundamental parameter from mechanical force to electromagnetic actuation, the system achieves the same locking security with dramatically reduced user effort.
3Reliability
If a protruding knob screw is used for locking, then the ball joint can be locked securely, but it creates unwieldy projection problems and requires extra space for storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the electromagnetic locking mechanism within the base structure itself, nesting the actuator and control components inside the housing. The locking elements are recessed into the base, eliminating the need for a protruding knob that extends outward. This nested configuration maintains secure locking functionality while creating a compact, streamlined profile suitable for storage in camera bags.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the protruding knob element from the design and replaces it with a flush-mounted or recessed control interface. By removing the external protrusion and integrating the locking mechanism within the base boundaries, the system achieves secure locking without the unwieldy projection that complicates storage and handling.
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
Enables single-handed operation with reduced force requirement, providing smooth contour integration and efficient camera positioning without the need for complex knob mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
the clamping mechanism includes a gearing mechanism responsive to activation by a lock/unlock mechanism to produce a mechanical advantage which enables a single finger to supply the sufficient force needed to lock (clamp) or unlock (release) a swivel ball
Implementation Method 2
Other embodiments of the invention may include spring loaded push button lock/release mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A swivel ball head mount embodying the invention includes a swivel ball and a housing and a push button operated clamping mechanism coupled between the ball and the housing to control their relative movement. The clamping mechanism may include a gearing arrangement or a spring arrangement producing a mechanical advantage enabling the push button mechanism to operate the clamping mechanism using a single finger. Swivel ball head mount embodying the invention are adapted to have a camera mounted on the housing.