Quick Connection Locking Structure for One-Handed Camera Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing quick connection structures for photographic equipment are complex and inconvenient to assemble or disassemble, requiring two hands and continuous effort to maintain the locking component in a specific position during assembly.

Innovation Solution

A quick connection structure featuring a locking component that moves between two positions, driven by reset components, allowing for single-handed assembly and disassembly by unlocking and locking mechanisms, enabling easy insertion and removal of components without continuous manual force application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional quick connection structure with sliding locking sleeve and multiple locking units is used, then the connection between camera and tripod can be secured, but the structure becomes complex and requires two hands for assembly and disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is divided into independent locking blocks that can engage with corresponding grooves on the mounting plate. Each locking block operates independently through its own spring mechanism, allowing the system to achieve reliable locking without requiring a complex integrated sliding sleeve structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The complex sliding locking sleeve is removed from the design entirely. Instead, individual locking blocks are used that can be actuated separately, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining the ability to secure the connection between camera and tripod

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If a traditional quick connection structure with spring-biased locking mechanism is used, then the locking function can be achieved, but continuous manual force is required to maintain the locking component in position during assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking functionVSAvoidassembly convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking blocks are designed to be self-actuating through spring mechanisms. When the mounting plate is inserted, the springs automatically push the locking blocks into engagement with the grooves, eliminating the need for continuous manual force to maintain the locked position

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The springs are pre-loaded to exert force on the locking blocks before engagement is needed. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the mounting plate is inserted, the locking blocks are already in the correct position to engage with the grooves, enabling single-handed operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If multiple locking units are arranged in the base body, then the connection platform can be securely locked, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes inconvenient and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism uses multiple independent locking blocks that can engage simultaneously with corresponding grooves on the mounting plate. This segmented approach allows for quick engagement of multiple locking points without requiring sequential manual operation, reducing assembly time while maintaining secure connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each locking block is equipped with its own spring mechanism that automatically actuates the locking action. This self-service feature eliminates the need for manual manipulation of each locking unit, allowing multiple locks to engage simultaneously and rapidly, significantly reducing assembly and disassembly time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Facilitates quick and convenient assembly and disassembly of camera and tripod connections, allowing for single-handed operation and reducing the complexity of the assembly process.

Implementation Method 1

a first reset component being arranged between the locking component and the mounting portion, for generating a force to drive the locking component to move to the first position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a locking component being movably connected to the mounting potion, the locking component being capable of moving relative to the mounting portion to a first position or a second position; and a first reset component being arranged between the locking component and the mounting portion, for generating a force to drive the locking component to move to the first position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP4299966B1Quick connection structure
Publication Date: 2024.12.25 ZHONGSHAN DASHAN PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIP
  • EP4299966B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4299966B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4299966B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A quick connection structure includes a first component, a second component, a locking component and a first reset component. The second component includes a mounting portion defining a mounting groove, a first locking portion, a second locking portion and an unlocking portion. The locking component is movably connected to the mounting potion. The first reset component is arranged between the locking component and the mounting portion. The locking component drives the first locking portion to a locking position during the movement thereof to a first position and enables the first locking portion to an unlocking position when moving to a second position. The first locking portion at the locking position locks the first component, and at the unlocking position unlocks the first component. The second locking portion locks the locking component at the second position, and the unlocking portion drives the second locking portion to unlock the locking component.