Quick-Release Clamp Retaining Structure for Fast Camera Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mounting photographic equipment to camera stands are time-consuming and require careful alignment, often resulting in image blur or missed shots due to insufficient time for secure attachment.
Innovation Solution
A quick-release clamp with an adjustable arm and lever mechanism that allows for rapid adjustment and secure engagement or release of photographic equipment, utilizing a cam lever and counterforce springs to ensure secure attachment and prevent slippage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional threaded mounting methods are used to secure photographic equipment to camera stands, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the mounting process takes an appreciable amount of time and requires careful alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: a clamp body that attaches to the camera stand, and a separate photographic equipment interface. This segmentation allows the clamp to be pre-positioned on the stand, eliminating the need for alignment during mounting and reducing time loss while maintaining secure connection through the retaining structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp body is preliminarily positioned on the camera stand before the photographic equipment is attached. The retaining structure is pre-configured in the clamp body, so when the equipment is inserted, the retention mechanism is already in place to secure it quickly without requiring time-consuming alignment or threading operations.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional threaded mounting methods are used, then proper alignment of threads can be achieved, but insufficient time remains to complete the mounting before a shot should be taken
Solution Approach 1:
The threading operation is extracted and eliminated from the mounting process. Instead of using threaded sockets and studs that require precise alignment and multiple rotations, the invention uses a friction-fit interface with a retaining structure that secures equipment through direct insertion and latching, dramatically increasing mounting speed while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of actively threading components together requiring alignment, the invention inverts the approach by having the equipment passively inserted into a pre-positioned clamp with an opening. The retaining structure then actively engages to secure the equipment, reversing the traditional active-threading process into a passive-insertion with active-retention mechanism that is much faster.
3Loss of time
If a quick-release clamp is used to mount photographic equipment, then mounting time is reduced, but the clamp requires a lever mechanism to adjust channel spacing and grip the equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp body is designed with a self-adjusting retaining structure that automatically engages with the photographic equipment upon insertion. The retaining members are positioned to naturally interface with corresponding features on the equipment, eliminating the need for manual lever operation to adjust spacing or activate the gripping mechanism, thus reducing complexity while maintaining quick-release functionality.
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 rapid and secure mounting of photographic equipment, reducing the risk of image blur and missed shots by allowing quick attachment and detachment while maintaining secure positioning.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring interposed between the adjustable arm and the body, wherein the compression spring applies an elastic force to the adjustable arm that biases the adjustable arm away from the clamp body
Implementation Method 2
The lever includes a cam portion that rotates about a pivot axis as the lever is moved between the first position and the second position
Implementation Method 3
a compression spring interposed between the adjustable arm and the body, wherein the compression spring applies an elastic force
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for engaging equipment to a support includes a member defining a first channel having a first side wall capable of lateral movement with respect to a second side wall suitable for engaging the equipment therebetween. The member defines a pair of surfaces suitable for engaging equipment thereon. A movable member is capable of causing the lateral movement. A substantially compressible member is operably interconnected between the movable member and the first side wall. A pin is selectively raisable with respect to one of the surfaces within a peripheral area defined by the one of the surfaces.