Rotatable Camera Interconnect for Secure Accessory Mounting
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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 mechanisms, allowing for secure and adjustable attachment to accessories through protrusions and fasteners, enabling a range of motion and configuration options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a simple connection mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability and ease of operation are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnect mechanism is designed with a universal support structure that can accommodate multiple types of accessories through standardized protrusions and recesses. The support element can be configured in various positions and orientations, allowing the same basic mechanism to connect to different accessory types (tripods, monitors, microphones, etc.), thereby achieving multi-functionality without requiring separate connection mechanisms for each accessory type.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism incorporates movable and adjustable elements, including rotatable supports and pivotable arms, that allow dynamic reconfiguration. The support can rotate relative to the body and the arm can pivot, enabling the mechanism to adapt to different connection angles and positions. This dynamic capability provides versatility while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.
2Reliability
If a secure connection mechanism is implemented, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is divided into separable components: a body element with recesses, a movable support with protrusions, and a fastening element. This segmentation allows the connection to be made through simple insertion of protrusions into recesses, followed by engagement of the fastening element, providing secure connection without complex procedures. The modular design enables easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member automatically pushes the support towards the body, causing the protrusions to engage with the recesses and the fastening element to secure the connection without requiring manual tightening or complex operations. The mechanism self-secures the connection through the biasing force, maintaining reliability while keeping the operation simple and intuitive.
3Ease of operation
If an adjustable support mechanism is added, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is designed with rotational capability relative to the body and pivotable joints that allow smooth adjustment. These dynamic elements provide ease of operation through simple rotational and pivoting motions while maintaining a relatively compact and simple overall structure, avoiding the need for complex mechanical assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member is pre-configured to automatically position the support in its operational orientation, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms. The support is preliminarily positioned by the biasing force, and the user only needs to make simple rotational or pivoting adjustments, significantly reducing the complexity required for adjustability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a rotatable support with indexing members is implemented, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indexing mechanism is segmented into discrete indexing members that engage with corresponding features on the body. Each indexing member represents a specific rotational position, and the mechanism uses simple engagement features rather than complex continuous indexing systems. This segmentation provides multiple discrete positioning options while keeping the overall structure simple and manufacturable.
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 ease of use by providing secure, adjustable, and versatile connections to a variety of accessories, improving the overall user experience and functionality of image capture devices.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member that is located between the body and the support and which is configured to bias the support towards the body
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
Implementation Method 3
a fastener that is configured for insertion through the first protrusions and the second protrusions to facilitate releasable connection of the image capture device to the interconnect mechanism
Data Source
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.