Rotatable Camera Mounts for Versatile Accessory Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image capture devices lack versatile and user-friendly mechanisms for easy and secure connection to various accessories, limiting their versatility and ease of use.

Innovation Solution

The development of interconnect mechanisms featuring rotatable, pivotable, and pivotably reconfigurable supports with indexing members and biasing members, along with locking mechanisms, to facilitate secure and easy attachment to accessories such as vests, gloves, helmets, tripods, and other devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed, non-rotatable mount is used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the versatility and range of motion are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverange of motionVSAvoidmount structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mount structure transitions from a fixed, static configuration to a dynamic, rotatable system. The support member is configured to rotate relative to the body about a rotation axis, allowing the mounted device to be positioned at various angles. This dynamic capability enables the mount to adapt to different viewing angles and orientations, significantly improving versatility while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of a single rotation degree of freedom.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mount is divided into distinct functional segments: a body, a rotatable support member, and an optional locking mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the body provides the mounting interface, the support member enables rotation, and the locking mechanism secures the desired position. This modular approach enhances versatility without proportionally increasing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a rotatable support with unlimited range of motion is implemented, then versatility is improved, but control and positioning precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment optionsVSAvoidposition control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism operates periodically by engaging at specific rotational positions to secure the support member. This periodic engagement allows the user to rotate the support freely to the desired angle and then lock it in place, providing both unlimited range of motion and precise position control. The mechanism creates discrete locking positions that maintain the device at various orientations while ensuring stable positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Ease of operation

If multiple components (body, support, indexing members, biasing member) are integrated, then functionality and ease of use are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection easeVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The indexing members and biasing member are integrated into the mount structure to work together as a unified positioning system. The biasing member applies continuous force to maintain engagement between the indexing members and their corresponding features on the body or support, ensuring positive positioning without requiring additional active components. This merging of passive positioning elements simplifies the overall system while improving ease of operation through automatic indexing and retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enhances compatibility and user experience by allowing for versatile attachment options, including unlimited range of motion and secure connection to a variety of accessories, improving ease of use and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a biasing member that is located between the body and the support and that is configured to bias the support towards the body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

indexing members that are located between the body and the support; the first recesses and the second recesses may collectively define chambers that are configured to receive the indexing members upon rotational alignment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS12436452B2Interconnect mechanisms for use with image capture devices and accessories

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 GOPRO INC

AI summary

Various embodiments of an interconnect mechanism facilitate the connection of an image capture device to an accessory (either directly or indirectly). In one embodiment, the interconnect mechanism includes a rotatable support that is movable between a series (plurality) of discrete rotational positions through an unlimited range of motion. In another embodiment, the interconnect mechanism includes a pivotable support, which allows for reconfiguration of the interconnect mechanism between a stowed configuration, in which the support is concealed, and a deployed configuration, in which the support is exposed so as to facilitate the connection of the interconnect mechanism and the accessory. In yet another embodiment, the interconnect mechanism includes protrusions that are pivotably reconfigurable between a stowed configuration, in which the protrusions are rotatably fixed, and a deployed configuration, in which the protrusions are rotatable through a range of motion about an axis of rotation.