Quick Release Device Dovetail Undercut Lip Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera and equipment mounting systems are cumbersome and labor-intensive due to their gendered, keyed designs, making quick attachment and detachment difficult and limiting interchangeability of accessories.
Innovation Solution
A quick-release device featuring a dovetail and socket design with undercut lips, a spring-loaded pin, and a button mechanism that allows for secure and rapid connection of equipment without the need for screws or bolts, enabling universal compatibility between male and female parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mounting systems with screws, bolts and nuts are used, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the attachment and detachment process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate male and female components with distinct functional elements: a dovetail for mechanical interlocking, undercut lips for positioning, and a spring-loaded pin with button mechanism for rapid locking and releasing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while enabling quick attachment and detachment without compromising connection security
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded pin provides dynamic locking action that automatically engages with the dovetail when components are assembled. The button mechanism enables dynamic control of the locking state, allowing operators to quickly transition between locked and unlocked states. This dynamic system replaces static screw-based locking with an active mechanism that responds to user input for rapid operation
2Ease of operation
If gendered or keyed quick release designs are used, then the attachment process is simplified, but the interchangeability between different accessories is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system employs a universal dovetail interface design where both male and female components use the same geometric profile and locking mechanism. This universality allows any accessory with a male dovetail to be attached to any mount with a female socket, enabling full interchangeability across different equipment while maintaining quick release capability through the standardized button-actuated pin mechanism
3Ease of operation
If a simple connection mechanism is used, then the device is easier to operate, but the connection strength and stability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The dovetail features an asymmetric profile with a wide base and tapered sides, creating a mechanically strong interlocking geometry that resists withdrawal forces. The undercut lips create asymmetric engagement zones that provide precise positioning and prevent lateral movement. This asymmetric design achieves both simple operation through the button mechanism and strong connection through the geometric interlocking
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded pin introduces a curved, elastic element into the otherwise rigid connection system. The spring's curvature allows it to flex during engagement and maintain constant contact pressure on the dovetail, providing both simple operation through automatic engagement and strong connection through continuous elastic force
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, secure, and versatile attachment of camera and equipment accessories, reducing setup time and enhancing usability by allowing interchangeable parts across different equipment configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a spring biasing the pin towards the first edge and outside of the uninterrupted periphery of the first undercut lip
Data Source
AI summary
A quick release system including a quick release device which includes an elongated body. The body includes a dovetail sitting proud of a first side of the body, widening towards a first end of the body, and including a first undercut lip. The body further includes a tail-socket defined shy of the first side, widening towards a second end of the elongated body, and including a second undercut lip. The body further includes a detent interrupting the second lip proximate to a first edge of the body, a first void defined in the body from the first edge and underlying the dovetail, and a second void defined in the body interrupting the first lip and in connection with the first void. The quick release device further includes a pin in free fit within the second void, a spring biasing the pin towards the first edge and outside of the uninterrupted periphery of the first lip, and a button in the first void coupled to the spring and to the pin. The button in response to an inwardly applied force moves the pin inside the uninterrupted periphery of the first lip.