Removable Ball Joint Mount for Quiet Hunting Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for mounting electronic devices like cameras in hunting environments are cumbersome, noisy, and prone to detection by wildlife, and existing mounts are expensive and susceptible to theft.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable utility mount with separable components, including a base mounting bracket and a ball joint system that allows for 360-degree adjustment and easy reconfiguration, enabling quiet and quick setup without the need for loud ratcheting straps, and allowing users to leave the base bracket in place while taking the adjustable components to different locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional tripods are placed on the ground to mount cameras, then the camera can be positioned at various heights, but the tripod is subject to being knocked over by wild game and can spook some game
Solution Approach 1:
The mount is divided into two separable components: a base mounting bracket that remains stationary on the ground and an adjustable utility mount that can be removed and repositioned. This segmentation allows the stable base to remain while the adjustable components are protected from theft and can be quietly repositioned without moving the entire traditional tripod structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If expensive camera mounts are set up prior to a hunt, then the mounting location can be secured in advance, but the mounts are subject to theft risk
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the mount into a permanent base mounting bracket and removable adjustable components, the system allows pre-positioning of the base while protecting the valuable adjustable components from theft. The base bracket remains in place to maintain mounting location, while the expensive ball joint and articulating arm components can be removed and taken to different locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The base mounting bracket can be a simpler, less expensive component that is left in place, while the valuable adjustable components are protected. This allows the use of multiple inexpensive base brackets at different locations while protecting the investment in the adjustable mounting mechanism.
3Productivity
If a hunter arrives early to set up mounts before daylight, then the mounting can be done in advance, but the hunter has to use a headlamp or flashlight which creates light that may alert game
Solution Approach 1:
The base mounting brackets can be pre-installed at desired locations before hunting trips, eliminating the need for early morning setup with artificial lighting. The hunter only needs to attach the adjustable components to the pre-positioned bases, which can be done quickly without requiring headlamps or flashlights that would alert game.
4Strength
If ratchet straps are used to secure mounts at the hunt location, then the mount can be firmly attached, but the ratcheting mechanism is loud and may alert game
Solution Approach 1:
The loud ratcheting mechanism is eliminated from the system. Instead of using ratchet straps for final attachment, the mount uses a ball joint with a clamp mechanism that can be secured quietly. The adjustable components attach to the base bracket through this quieter mechanism, removing the harmful noise element while maintaining secure attachment.
5Strength
If a single integrated mount is used, then the structure can be substantial and rugged, but the entire mount must be moved and resecured with loud ratcheting when relocating
Solution Approach 1:
The mount is segmented into a permanent base mounting bracket that provides stable attachment to the tree or structure, and removable adjustable components containing the ball joint and articulating arm. This allows the rugged base to remain stationary while the adjustable components are easily removed and repositioned without requiring loud ratcheting mechanisms, as the ball joint clamp provides secure yet quiet attachment.
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 bearing block assembly that supports a down post. 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.