Removable Ball Joint Mount for Quiet Hunting Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mounting electronic devices like cameras in hunting environments is challenging due to the need for precise orientation, noise minimization, and theft prevention, as traditional tripods are easily knocked over and expensive mounts are attractive to thieves.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable utility mount with separable components, including a base mounting bracket and a ball joint system that allows 360-degree adjustment, enabling secure attachment to uneven surfaces without carrying the adjustable components, which can be left at the location to deter theft and facilitate quick setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional tripods are used for mounting cameras, then the mounting setup is simple, but the tripod is easily knocked over by wild game and can spook some game
Solution Approach 1:
The mount is divided into a base mounting bracket that remains at the hunting location and an adjustable utility mount with ball joint that can be carried and repositioned. This segmentation allows the heavy/durable base to stay fixed while the adjustable components can be moved quietly and reattached, solving both the stability issue (fixed base) and the spooking issue (lighter, quieter repositioning of adjustable parts)
2Reliability
If expensive camera mounts are used, then the mounting precision and stability are improved, but the theft risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the expensive adjustable utility mount with ball joint from the base mounting bracket, the valuable components can be removed and taken when leaving a hunting location. The inexpensive base bracket remains behind, eliminating theft risk while preserving the ability to achieve precise mounting when returning to the location
Solution Approach 2:
The base mounting bracket is designed to be inexpensive and can be left behind or replaced if stolen, while the expensive adjustable components are portable and can be protected by removing them when leaving. This creates a system where the permanent fixture is replaceable and the valuable parts are movable
3Loss of time
If the hunter arrives early in the morning to set up mounts, then the mounting can be done in advance, but the hunter must use a headlamp or flashlight which creates light and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The base mounting bracket can be installed in advance during daylight hours and left at the hunting location. When the hunter arrives early in the morning, only the lightweight adjustable utility mount needs to be attached to the pre-positioned base, which can be done quickly without requiring additional lighting or creating noise
Solution Approach 2:
Dividing the mount into a permanent base component and a portable adjustable component allows the base to be installed beforehand during daylight. The adjustable portion can then be quickly attached in the early morning without requiring setup tools, lights, or making noise, as it simply attaches to the pre-positioned base
4Reliability
If a single expensive mount is used, then the mounting quality is high, but the ability to use multiple locations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the mount into a base bracket and an adjustable utility mount, the system allows multiple inexpensive base brackets to be positioned at different hunting locations. The single expensive adjustable utility mount can be carried and reattached to different bases, enabling high-quality mounting at multiple locations without needing an expensive mount at each site
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable utility mount with ball joint is designed to be universal and can be attached to multiple different base mounting brackets at various locations. This single versatile component replaces the need for multiple location-specific mounts, providing high mounting quality across multiple hunting spots
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable mount for holding equipment or an equipment-holding arm at, for example, a hunting location such as a deer blind or a tree stand includes a base mounting bracket and an adjustable ball joint removably secured to the mounting bracket. The base mounting bracket is secured to something and can be left in place during the hunting season. The ball joint can be removed and taken with the user. In some configurations, the ball joint can be locked in a desired orientation which is maintained when the ball joint is removed from the base mounting bracket so that the desired orientation is reestablished when the user replaces the ball joint in the base mounting bracket. One version of the ball joint includes a piston cylinder used to release locking pressure to allow for adjustment. The piston cylinder can be pneumatic or hydraulic. A configuration of the base mounting bracket can be readily assembled from a collapsed flat configuration. An articulating equipment holding arm with first and second arms provides an adjustable mount for holding equipment.