Retaining Pin Clamp Structure for Fast, Secure 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
1Productivity
If a quick-release clamp with lever mechanism is used, then mounting speed is improved, but retaining reliability deteriorates due to insufficient clamping force
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp arm is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment of clamping force. The cam lever mechanism enables the clamp arm to transition between open and closed positions, providing both quick mounting capability and sufficient retaining force when engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
A pin is introduced as an intermediary retaining element that works in conjunction with the clamp mechanism. The pin provides additional retention through a separate mechanism (engaging with a slot or groove), ensuring reliable holding even when the primary clamp force is minimal.
2Reliability
If threaded mounting method is used, then retaining reliability is improved, but mounting time increases due to alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting function is divided into two independent parts: the clamp mechanism for quick positioning and the pin for secure retention. This segmentation allows the user to quickly position the equipment using the clamp without worrying about thread alignment, then secure it with the pin.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp arm is pre-positioned in an open state, allowing the equipment to be quickly placed into position before the clamp is engaged. This eliminates the need for precise pre-alignment required by threaded mounting, saving time while maintaining reliability through the subsequent pin engagement.
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
The clamp includes a lever that moves between two positions to adjust the spacing between the side walls of the channel so that, when in a first, locking position, the channel grips the rails connected to the camera system
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a cam lever and counterforce springs to ensure secure attachment and prevent slippage
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.